Elden James Stang
January 23, 1940 - May 26, 2013
Obituary
COTTAGE GROVE/VICTORIA, KS- Elden J. Stang was born on the plains of western Kansas, January 23, 1940 to Wendelin and Leona (Schamber) Stang. He passed away on May 26, 2013, following a stroke. He graduated from Victoria Rural High School in 1958. After graduation, Elden attended Fort Hays State College. In 1961, he was selected for the first group of Peace Corps Volunteers and served two terms in Chile, S.A. where he put to good use his mechanical and carpentry skills. In 1963, he married fellow volunteer Judith Grant, in Santiago, Chile. Elden received his B.S. in Horticulture at Kansas State University and his M.S. and PhD at Iowa State University, also in Horticulture. Upon graduation in 1973, he joined the faculty at The Ohio State University as Fruit Crop Specialist for the State of Ohio. He joined the Horticulture faculty at the University of Wisconsin in 1978, as Extension Fruit Crop Specialist with an emphasis in cranberry production. In 1993, he was hired as technical consultant to Cran Chile to develop a cranberry operation in southern Chile where he and Judy lived for the next three years. This was the first time cranberries had been grown commercially in the southern hemisphere. In retirement, Professor Stang enjoyed his farm. His last project was to develop a commercial hop operation from a wild hop plant he found on the farm and propagated. Elden is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy; sons, Douglas (Sharon) and Paul (Alyssa); daughter, Mary (Lance) Shutter; grandchildren, Connor, Lindsey, and Elizabeth; sisters, Delila Brungardt and Marilyn (Sam) Braun; brother Wendelin. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Verne and sister Velma. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Fidelis Cathedral of the Plains, Victoria, Kansas later this week with burial to follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will take place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Wed. May 29, 2013 with a rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison. Elden sponsors two Chilean children through the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, 1 Elmwood Ave., Kansas City, KS 66103. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420
Elden sponsors two Chilean children through the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging, 1 Elmwood Ave., Kansas City, KS 66103.
A visitation will take place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Wed. May 29, 2013 with a rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Fidelis Cathedral of the Plains, Victoria, Kansas later this week with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
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Memories
DF
Douglas Stang Family
Other •
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."
We miss you Dad.
LE
Liz Erlwig
Other •
My sympathies go out to the entire Stang family. Mary I'm thinking of you.
JB
Judy Barth
Other •
We were so saddened to see Elden's obituary in this morning's paper. I have so many fond memories of Elden beginning when I joined the Horticulture Department in May of 1979. He was always such a kind man with a great sense of humor. I was pleasantly surprised his many talents included a love for cooking & have several recipes he shared. Darrell & I extend our sincere condolences to Judy and his family. Bless you all at this difficult time in your lives. Judy & Darrell Barth
CS
Collier Shutter
Other •
My condolences for your loss. Elden was a good man and it was good to know him. Kelle and I are thinking of you.
DF
Demetrio Scopelliti and Family
Other •
We're so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Stang. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Mrs. Stang, Doug, and the rest of the family. May God bless all of you during this difficult period.
PA
Patsy Alwin
Other •
Judy and family, I was sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers. God Bless.