Obituary of Richard Lee Stanifer
Richard Lee Stanifer was born in Monroe, Michigan on May 19, 1936. The son of William Stanifer and Mae Cora (Mink) Stanifer, he was the youngest of five children. He graduated from Monroe High School in 1956 and continued his education at Monroe County Community College and the University of Toledo. He enlisted in the United States Army and served his country honorably from 1959-1961.
Growing up on Santure Road in Frenchtown Township he met a young neighbor girl, whom became his future bride. He was joined in marriage to the former Ann Ruettinger on July 7, 1956, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe. The couple was blessed with two children: Lauri and Lee. After high school he was employed for a year at Detroit Stoker. He helped to provide for the needs of his family with employment by Delos Palmer and Associates of Toledo for many years as a Draftsman Engineer working with special machinery.
Dick was a former member of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church serving as School Treasurer, School Board, and Church Treasurer. He also served on the Lutheran Home Board of Directors. A longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church he served with the Endowment Fund Committee. He was also a member of the church Men’s Club.
As a young couple the Stanifer’s loved to entertain, often having big parties, and being sure to dress up for these social occasions. Dick participated in many card clubs throughout the years. He loved to spend time with Ann and shared in many of her adventures, in fact he had no problem taking direction from her. Together they enjoyed travel and visited Germany on several occasions. He enjoyed caring for his yard, whether mowing the grass, or tending to his garden and corn. As he matured he was perfectly satisfied to spend his down time in front of the television, watching the American History channel, Westerns, Cowboy and War shows, and the “Curse of Oak Island”.
Richard Lee Stanifer age 87 of Monroe passed away at home on Wednesday; October 18, 2023. His passing was preceded by his wife Ann in 2019; parents; twin children: Lisa Ann and Lynn Andrea, who were born in Germany; and siblings: Harold Stanifer, Edith Irby, Roger Stanifer, and Isaac Stanifer.
To cherish his memory, he leaves two children: Lauri Stanifer (Patrick Croskey) of Maumee and Lee (Cyndi) Stanifer of Luna Pier.
Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Sunday; October 22, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state from 10:00am until 11:00am on Monday; October 23, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church; 323 Scott Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161. A Funeral service celebrating his life will take place at 11:00am with Pastor Dennis Mann officiating. Military honors will follow the service provided by Monroe VFW Post 1138. Burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.