John Stanley

Stanley, John Edward DEFOREST - John E. Stanley, Dane County Coroner, age 63, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, at his home. He was born on Feb. 8, 1946, in Baraboo. John graduated from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Md. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving three tours of duty in Vietnam from 1964 until 1968, earning the rank of sergeant-combat engineer. This was a life changing experience, which made him the man he became. John married his high school sweetheart, Theone Hellen on Nov. 22, 1967. In 1971, he began a long and varied career in law enforcement and as a public servant, beginning with the Village of McFarland and Dane County Sheriffs Department. He served as a sergeant and juvenile officer for the McFarland Police Department, while working part-time for Dane County Sheriffs Department. John also joined the McFarland Volunteer Fire Department. His experience led him to fight for recognition of EMS in Wisconsin, to develop, facilitate, and instruct EMS programs. He shared his knowledge as an instructor of Police and Fire Science at Madison Area Technical College, and an Emergency Medical Service license examiner on the Wisconsin State Board of V. T. A. E. He spent years working with St. Marys Hospital as chief of security and also as director of their EMS training center. Johns career with Dane County Sheriffs Department, his EMS experience, and sincere compassion, led him to become a deputy coroner in 1988. He was elected coroner in 2000 and has held this position with the utmost dignity, respect and love for all those who have ever worked alongside him. Johns hobbies were hunting, fishing and a love of trains. He is survived by his loving wife, Theone; daughters, Nickie (Ken) Klahn and Theone (Tim) Harrison; son, John Stanley; four grandchildren, Michael (Robin) Klahn, Katie Klahn, Emily Harrison and Mason Harrison; a great-grandchild, Gavin Klahn; sisters, Dana (Roger) Houk and Patricia Wilcox; and brothers, Rodney (Sharon) Doughty and Owen Doughty. John was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings. Funeral services will be held at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 220 S. Main St., DeForest, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, with the Rev. Jerry Olson presiding. Burial will be at Norway Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, and also at the church from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept 18, 2009. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zor Shrine Childrens Hospital, 575 Zor Shrine Place, Madison, WI 53719. John ended every conversation or visit letting his family know how much he loved them. On behalf of the family, thank you for sharing our grief. Were comforted by the admiration you have all expressed. We are certain he touched your lives in his special way. Let the memory of John Stanley be an inspiration to us all, to act with selfless service to others. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zor Shrine Childrens Hospital, 575 Zor Shrine Place, Madison, WI 53719. Cemetery: Burial will be at Norway Grove Cemetery. Visitation: Visitation will be held at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009, and also at the church from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept 18, 2009. Service: Funeral services will be held at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 220 S. Main St., DeForest, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, with the Rev. Jerry Olson presiding.