William (Bill) Stanger

WILLIAM S. STANGER IDAHO FALLS, ID -- William Steele "Bill" Stanger, 88, of Iona, died January 31, 2007, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Bill was born July 4, 1918, at Iona, Idaho, to Delbert Stanger and Martha Melvina Steele Stanger. The story of Bill's life is filled to the brim with family, friends and service to others. He grew up in Iona, spending summers at the family ranch near Pole Bridge, in the hills of Southeast Idaho. According to him, "what more could a kid ask for - loving parents, a good dog, a good horse, a fishing pole and freedom to roam the hills between Iona and Sheep Mountain." Habadashery became part of his life when, as a teenager, he began winter employment for McEntire- Undhjem Company, selling menswear and continued to do so with their successors, Frank Brown Menswear and Brown & Gesas. His semi-retirement endeavor was hauling the mail to Bone, Idaho, yet another excuse to be in the hills. Bill attended Iona Elementary School and graduated from Iona High School. Following high school, he attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, facetiously claiming to be the only student to "run for sophomore class president six years in a row." Upon the untimely death of his mother, he returned from school to be with his father and sister, and assist with the family's livestock operation. Despite not completing a degree, he maintained his interest in education, occasionally enrolling in classes and, was an integral part of his children's educational endeavors. Upon his return to Iona, Bill met and eventually married a young school teacher, Oleta Chadwick, who was teaching school in Iona. They were married May 5, 1941, and began a lifelong partnership of raising children and livestock. Oleta has been a consistent source of support and encouragement to Bill throughout their married life, providing a very necessary element of organization, indulging his need to raise livestock, and, "picking up all the loose ends." Bill, mindful of his stewardship of the land, was involved for many years in soil and water conservation. In 1980, he was recognized by his peers as the 1st recipient from Idaho of the prestigious Doyle Scott Conservation Award for his efforts in promoting soil and water conservation. He assisted in the organization and chaired many key efforts with respect to conservation and agricultural related activities; was recognized numerous times for his contributions, and recently honored by the Idaho Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts for forty years of service. He was the 1998 recipient of the Silver Plow Award presented by the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce. An exerpt from his nomination for that award reads in part, " . . . . .Bill is affectionately known as 'The Sheepherder' throughout Idaho and all the way to Washington, D.C. He spins a good tale and is always ready with a sheepherder story....he is revered locally, statewide and nationally for his ability to garner funding and technical support for conservation stewardship in his beloved Idaho. A big man, with a gruff manner, a tender heart for both man and beast. . . . . ." He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having served in various church positions, and was recognized for years of service to the Boy Scouts. Bill's top priority in life was family and friends. He enjoyed spending time in the hills he loved, surrounded by ever-present relatives and friends, who congregated at the family ranch for food, fishing and reminiscing. Survivors include: Wife: Oleta Stanger, Iona, ID Son: Chad Stanger, Iona, ID Daughter: Tricia (Gary) Archibald, Rexburg, ID Daughter: Alice (Scott) Huntsman, Woodville, ID Niece: Karla Staples (raised by the Stangers), Kooskia, ID Daughter-in-law: Sandy Stanger, Salt Lake City, UT 13 Grandchildrenl; 8 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Hazel Holbrook. Funeral Services will be held at 12 Noon Monday, February 5, 2007 at the Iona LDS Stake Center (Hwy 26 & 55th East) with Bishop Ken Wrightson, of Iona LDS 2nd Ward, officiating. The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 7-9 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) and Monday from 10-11:45 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. --------------------------------------------- Condolences sent online: Patty Stanger Tally tallypat@swbell.net Condolences to Bill's family. Even though we were only able to visit occasionally, you and Bill are such important memories of my childhood. Bill telling jokes and stories about his and Dad's (Ernie) adventures on Sheep Mountain will remain with me always. All my love at such a difficult time. Love, Patty To Chad Stanger The old days brought life long friendships that will always be remembered with their passing. Sorry for your loss. Squeek Richard Stanger stangerr@verizon.net I can't think of a person I more enjoyed visiting during my life than Bill Stanger. For me he embodied Idaho: its lifestyle, humor, friendship, and commitment. His family continues to be a source of these values for me and, I am sure, many others. I wish them all the best in this difficult time. from Mr. & Mrs. Ned Sweat: We were surprised to see that Bill had died. It seems that it wasn't long since I saw him at the Iona Post Office gathering mail. He always had a smile and a greeting. We will miss him at the post office. May God bless his family who are left to mourn his passing. Mrs. Sweat Brent Maden brent3330@verizon.net I was sorry to here of your loss. Bill was a good friend and neighbor that will be missed by all who knew him.