Obit: Standiford, Ara J. #2 (1975 - 2012)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org    

Surnames: Standiford, Liebzeit

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 05/16/2012

Standiford, Ara J. #2 (4 FEB 1975 - 14 MAY 2012)

Ara James Standiford of Rochester, Minnesota, formerly of Greenwood, a well-respected professional, a deeply loved son, brother and uncle and compassionate and loyal friend, died at his parents' home on Monday, May 14, 2012, surrounded by his family after a valiant three and a half year battle with colo-rectal cancer. He was only 37.

Ara was welcomed into this world on Feb. 4, 1975, to Diane (Liebzeit) and Roger Standiford at Ministry Saint Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield. He went to school in Greenwood, where he participated in National Honor Society, FBLA, band, as well as football, basketball and baseball. After graduating high school in 1993, Ara pursued a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1997. 

Ara's passion for work started in January of 1998 at Wipfli, Ulrich, Bertelson in Eau Claire. He continued to be a Senior Accountant until 2003. In the fall of 2003, Ara began his Internal Auditing career with Mayo Health Care Systems and worked until he began chemotherapy treatments in 2008. He loved working and Ara's one wish was to be able to put his suit and tie on again and head off to work. He was a member of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WIPCA), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). 

Due to Ara's amazingly positive attitude and great vision of life he has made some incredible lasting relationships with friends, classmates, and coworkers. He enjoyed watching and attending sporting events especially Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers games. 

Ara is survived by his parents, Diane (Liebzeit) and Roger Standiford of Greenwood; two brothers, Scott (Kimberly) Standiford and their children, Atley, Resse and Annika of Flower Mound, Texas, and Shawn (Amy) Standiford and their boys, Storm and Sawyer of Eau Claire; as well as many uncles, aunts and cousins. 

Ara was preceded in death by his grandparents, Helen and A.C. (Bill) Standiford, Beatrice (Bede) and Clarence (Scoop) Liebzeit; and his uncle, Justin Standiford.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday May 19, the United Church of Christ (W6974 Century Road) west of Greenwood with Pastor Mark Schwinn officiating. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 18 at the Cuddie Funeral Home (103 N. Main St., Greenwood) and again at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the United Church of Christ. A celebration of Ara's life will be at the Greenwood American Legion (Main Street, Greenwood) following the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given in Ara's name. 

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home of Greenwood is assisting the family with arrangements.