Obit: Stanley, Sophie P. (1918 – 2004)

Surnames: Stanley, Zidal, Michalewicz, Martin, Pilgrim, Petrowski, Weisenberger, Needham, Burger, Adamski, Diermeir, Schaller

----Herald Times Reporter (Manitowoc, Manitowoc County, Wis.) Sunday, 22 Feb. 2004

----Stanley, Sophie P. (3 Nov. 1918 – 20 Feb. 2004)

Sophie P. Stanley of Marathon died Friday, Feb. 20, 2004, at Marywood Convalescent Center, Wausau.

She was born on Nov. 3, 1918, in Racine, Wis., the daughter of the late Joseph and Anna (Zidal) Michale-wicz. At the age of 15, Sophie worked as a housekeeper and baby-sitter in Chicago, where she met Chester Stanley at the Trianon Ballroom. The couple united in marriage on July 11, 1942, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cassel, Wis. In 1945, the couple moved to Marathon, Wis., when they purchased Stanley's Bar, which they owned and operated until they retired in 1977.

Sophie was an honorary member of the Parish Council of Catholic Women and a former member of the Marathon County Tavern League. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed bowling in leagues for many years, and spent hours crocheting. Her other interests included poker, an occasional trip to the casino, and watching wrestling videos. Sophie's wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all.

Survivors include her six children: Suzanne (David) Martin, William (Emily) Stanley, Mary Jane (Marvin) Pilgrim, Betty (Ike) Myszka, Michael (Connie) Stanley, and Bob Stanley, all of Marathon; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Stanley (Roseanne) Michalewicz, Wausau, and Eddie (Mary Lou) Michalewicz, Las Vegas; and three sisters, Frances (Phillip) Petrowski, Racine, Florence (Rudy) Weisenberger, Marathon, and Agnes (Jack) Needham, Chicago; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester (Jan. 27, 1983); a son, Harold; and three sisters, Marie Simon, Lottie Burger and Josephine Adamski.

Funeral services will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, 2004, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Joseph Diermeier will officiate. Burial will follow at the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marathon, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, and from 10:30 a.m. until time of services Monday.

The Helke Funeral Home, Wausau is assisting the family.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Marywood Convalescent Center for the wonderful care and love Mom received while making her home there. Sophie's smile and sense of humor showed how comfortable they made her feel. A special thank you to Dr. Ivan Schaller and staff.