Steven Stanger

STEVE STANGER Click here to view Steve's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Steven Reed Stanger, 74, local lifelong cowboy and horse trainer, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, April 23, 2010, at Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg, Idaho, due to complications of lung cancer. Steve was born August 14, 1935 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Alfred Reed Stanger & Eva Bybee Stanger. Steve spent most of his childhood in the Jackson Hole, Wyoming, area, where his father worked as a ranch hand. This is where Steve first developed his love for horses and his skills in horse training, which he carried with him throughout his life. We have all enjoyed the many stories he would often share of his amusing childhood memories from Jackson. Steve graduated from Bonneville High School in 1953. He attended Idaho State College (now known as ISU). He served in the United States Air Force for two years, returning home on a hardship discharge after the untimely death of his father in 1957. Steve married the love of his life, Phyllis Cantral, on September 14, 1959, in Pocatello, Idaho. They made their home in Idaho Falls through 1962, at which time they moved to El Cajon, California, where Steve worked as a horse trainer until 1967. They returned to Idaho Falls, where they raised their four children, and which would remain their home through the present. Although Steve had a variety of skills and worked at many different jobs, including with the Idaho Falls Post Office, Challenge Creamery, and Progressive Irrigation District, he was best known for his horsemanship abilities in training, showing, and breeding quarter horses. He was friends with all and mentor to many. Throughout the years these friends have become family to both Steve and Phyllis, and all have enjoyed many hours of good cookies, coffee, and conversation. He was associated with the Jehovah's Witnesses, and, although inactive, treasured the Bible truths he learned. Steve is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Phyllis, his four children, Reed (Connie) Stanger of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Jim (Grace) Stanger of Racine, Wisconsin, Ed Stanger of Idaho Falls, Bettie (Brian) Black of Idaho Falls; four grandchildren, Jessica & Josh Stanger, Steven Black, and Kaden Stanger; and one great-grandson, Elijah Neil Stanger; two sisters, Sharon Stanger of Queen Creek, Arizona, and SuzAnne (Frank) Owings of Shell Knob, Missouri; and one brother, Dave (Kris) Stanger of Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Joe. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Dane Dickson, MD, Dallin Gamble, PA, Jeffrey Hancock, MD, along with the very skilled, loving, and caring staff of Teton Oncology of Rexburg. At Steve's request, there will be an informal gathering for family and friends to celebrate his life at Fairview Elementary School, 997 East 97th North, Idaho Falls, on Wednesday, April 28th anytime from 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the charity of your choice. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Richard Homburg hombrich@isu.edu I remember when Steve let me choose a flower bulb from a basket to take home and plant. It was an exciting time for me not knowing what type of flower would grow or what color it would be. The following spring after planting the bulb in the fall, I was overcome with joy to one day discover a beautiful purple iris had bloomed. May the Lord comfort you during this time of loss. Trenna Hall Dear Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a great man and gentleman. I always appreciated how considerate he was of my questions about horses. He never made me feel like I was asking something dumb. I always felt welcome whenever I came to your place. My dad (Jay Longhurst) said that no one could put a better neck rein on a horse than Steve Stanger. I will miss him. I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Sincerely, Trenna Hall Nadine Lords Ball marblehound@cableone.net I am so sorry for your loss. Steve looks like the nicest man. What I am wondering is if his son Jim is the Jim Stanger I graduated with from Bonneville in 1980. I am Nadine Lords Ball and have been wanting to contact Jim. So please respond if possible. Jesse & Denise Hinojosa jhinojosa50d@gmail.com Our condolences to Phyllis and the entire Stanger family on their loss. Mark Curtis Bandyrich@aol.com Blessings to all of your family at this time. I am honored to have been associated with your family. Your dad is an inspiration to all. We felt his kindness as he shared his great horse knowledge with us "horse-racers". I still remember how he broke two of our colts to the chariot, with no hook horse, just genuine horsemanship. It was awesome to see him at his best. They were the best team we ever had. As Steve's spirit lives on in our hearts and memories, I will always hold it as an honor to have known such a gentle...man! Our love to you all, Mark & Holly Curtis Family. Kay Merrell & Ernie Lewis Stanger Family, We are so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. May God comfort you during this difficult time. All of you are in our thoughts & prayers. God bless. City of Idaho Falls Treasurer's To Ed: Our deepest sympathy to your family for the loss of your beloved father. We made our donation to "Camp Magical Moments" in your father's name. The City Treasurer's Office Ellen Homburg ellenh@pctelcom.coop Dear Phyllis and Family, Tom and I want to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Steve. So many memories are coming back from way back when we met you two when we were oh so young. And that way I want to remember him, so young and kind to us "strangers". He was a wonderful friend. Our love to you all, Tom and Ellen Homburg Leon & Mary Ann Wyatt lmwyatt@quickidaho.com Dave & Kris, We are so sorry to hear about your brother, we did not know him but know how hard it is to lose a brother. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Leon & Mary Ann Cindy Layland Cjlayland@live.com Dear Phyllis and family, Dave and Kris, How sad we are at the loss of a great friend, family man and horseman. Steve and Phyllis made it possible for us to share some wonderful times with each other and our horses. Like hundreds of other folks, we were always made to feel special and so welcome when we'd pop in uninvited. No matter what was going on, you always made time for us, invited us in and furnished cookies and coffee, or a shady seat and a glass of lemonade. The conversation was always so easy and we enjoyed every minute of our visits. We learned alot from you lovely people, about horses, dogs, goats, chickens gardening, parenting and even economics. I remember Steve telling me once when I was concerned about being out of work..."Just remember Cindy, it's not how much you make, but how much you spend". I have remembered, and it has served me well so far. I remember the 1st time I visited your place. Dave came to my work with a lunch and asked if I could go for a drive, he wanted to show me something. Steve had 2 fillies out of Buck he was taking to a show the next day. He had them in show shape and my eyes popped out!! I never knew a horse could be that beautiful! And I grew up with horses. That was when I decided I had to own one of those special Stanger Quarter horses. It took me a few yrs., but we finally got 2. They were wonderful and brought us and our daughter many happy hours. I hope you all realize how many lives you enriched so fully with your generosity, kindness and hard work. Steve helped me out so often, when he had so many other chores, but never turned me away. He will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered. Phyllis, thank you for sharing your home, food, knowledge and friendship, and showing everyone who knows you what a beautiful partnership marriage can be. Sincerely, Cindy Dewey and Linda Smuin dlsmuin@mudlake.net Phyllis, We enjoyed Steve. When we ever thought about you two or seen you, it was pleasing to us. The honesty and loving manner that came from you two was great. Steve really knew horses and had some of the best. I really enjoyed his knowledge. He was so honest with what he said and did. You could always count on that. I will never forget that and it made me better in my dealings with people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank You, for being such great people. Dewey and Linda Smuin Kristi Curtis Kwiti@Comcast.net Dear Phyllis and family,I was so sorry to hear about Steve's passing! I do know for sure that he and my dad are already "horsing around!" I have great memories of when I was little coming over to your house with my parents to get milk. It was way cool watching Steve milk the cows!! I just wanted you to know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers! I wish I could be there to honor him with you!! I love you lots! Kristi