Stanley Garde

Stanley Raymond Garde, age 92, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Prairie Gardens in Sun Prairie. He was born February 24, 1921 in Brodhead, Wisconsin, son to Walter and Katherine (Nipple) Garde.

Stanley married his high school sweetheart, Vivian Scharning, in December 1944 while on leave from the US Army during WWII. He grew up in Brodhead and was a graduate of Brodhead High School where his passion for basketball began as a varsity player. A veteran of WWII, he served in the US Army Air Corps as a Signalman receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. After returning home from the service, Stanley and Vivian made their home in Rockford, Illinois. He worked in sales and shortly after, owned and operated a children's store. In 1961, they moved to Sun Prairie and operated a Ben Franklin store on Madison's east side. Later, Stanley returned to sales and then retired from CUNA Mutual Insurance in 1986. Stan's love of work kept him busy with various endeavors. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and strong work ethic.

Stanley is survived by his daughter, Nancy of Madison; sister Charlotte, nieces Charmel (Steve), Denise (Bob) of Monroe; and Beatrice (Fred) of San Antonio; brother-in-law, Richard (Shirley) Scharning, niece Kamila (Rich) of Long Island NY and a nephew Craig (Renee) of Jacksonville, FL. He was preceded in death by his wife Vivian, son Curtis and grandson Richard Gregory.

A Memorial service for Stanley will be held 11:30 AM, Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie. Visitation will be held from 10:30AM until time of service at the funeral home. Stan will be laid to rest at Sun Prairie Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers and memorials, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.

We want to thank Dr. Leo Schug and Agrace Hospice for their care and kindness. A special thank you to Prairie Gardens for their loving and devoted care for the past two years. You made Dad's last months enjoyable as you each invited him into your family sharing children, babies and pets with him.