Dennis Funeral Homes

LAWRENCE J. STANGLER, age 85 of Waterville died on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato.

Born on February 7, 1926 in Elysian, Minnesota, he was the son of Frank “Geedick” and Christina (Gregor) Stangler.  Larry graduated from Waterville High School in 1944.  Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corp. from January 22, 1944 until his honorable discharge on April 12, 1946.  After his time in the service, Larry moved to St. Louis, MO.  Larry worked in the clothing business for 47 years in places like Bonds in St. Louis, Dallas and Houston.  Larry moved back to Minnesota in 1977 and he retired from Liemandt’s in St. Paul in 1991.  Larry married Eleanor Buchmann on February 9, 1991 in Edina and they made their home in Waterville. 

Larry loved to volunteer – with the Lions as well as his church.  He loved spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his great great grandchild.  He was an avid reader and he loved clothes.  Larry also enjoyed baseball.  He volunteered for everything and he never believed in the word ‘no’.  He was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville where he volunteered with services weekly.  He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Lions, and many other organizations.

He is survived by his wife, Elie of Waterville; his children, Gary (Beth) Stangler of Columbia, MO, Phillip (Karen) Stangler of Flourissant, MO, Stephen (Susan) Stangler of Inver Grove Heights, John Buchmann (friend Pam) of Waterville, Kathy Morimoto of Waterville, and Diane Gomberg of Waterville; 18 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife-Joan, two brothers, and one sister.

Visitation will be held at the Prosch-Dennis Funeral Home in Waterville on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 from 4-8 PM and continue on Thursday, one hour before services at the church.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Waterville with Rev. Michael Ince officiating.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Waterville.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Minnesota Lion’s Eye Bank through the Waterville Lion’s Club.