Lao Stancer

Lao Stancer, 98, of Redwood Falls, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at the Sunwood Good Samaritan Society in Redwood Falls. Services will be 11:00 am on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences may be placed at www.sunsetfuneralassociation.com. The Sunset Funeral & Cremation Association is caring for the family. Lao Stancer was born on Monday, July 23, 1917 to Carl and Pearl (McGinnis) Stancer in Paxton Township, Redwood County. He was baptized and confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Redwood Falls, and attended North Redwood Country School. On June 14, 1937, Lao was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Bubs” Smith in Brookings, South Dakota. They made their home in Redwood Falls until moving to the west coast in 1945. While living out west, Lao worked on building Tuna Clippers, at a steel mill, and at Weyerhaeuser before returning to Redwood Falls a year later. After returning to Redwood Falls, Lao joined his brother Garold in a taxi business, trucking business, and farming. Years later, Lao worked as a custodian for the Redwood Falls Schools and retired from Sunnyside Elementary. Lao was a member of the Redwood Falls Masons, First Presbyterian Church, and a lifetime member of the Retread Motorcycle Club. Lao enjoyed playing guitar, listening to bluegrass music, riding motorcycles, flying, and traveling all over the United States and Canada with his motorcycle and motor home. He also liked gardening, woodworking, and making various gifts for his family. On Tuesday, March 22, 2016, Lao passed away at the Sunwood Good Samaritan Society in Redwood Falls, Minnesota at the age of 98 years, and 8 months. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth “Bubs” Stancer of Redwood Falls; two children, Beverlee (R.J.) Smiley of Edina, and Robert (Eloise) Stancer of Plymouth; three grandchildren, J.T. (Christine) Smiley, Chad (Regan) Stancer, and Nicole (Brendan) Bush, four great grandchildren, Jade Smiley, Mya Stancer, Grayson Bush, and Emily Bush; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Jerome “Buster” Stancer, and Garold Stancer, and one sister, Shirley Klause. Blessed be his memory. Memorial's may be sent to Alexander Ramsey Park/Friends of the Park, Season's Hospice or a memorial of your choice.