Stanley J. Meronek, 96, of Superior, Wis., died Sun., Jan. 23, 2011 in St. Mary's Hospital of Superior.

He was born Oct. 29, 1914 in Superior to Sophie (Urbaniak) and Theodore Meronek and had attended and graduated from St. Adelbert's Catholic School. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps and served in the Tomahawk, Wis. area. In March of 1941 he was united in marriage to Mary Jane Talcott.

Stanley worked for the Great Northern Railroad for 42 years and retired on May 1, 1977.

Stanley enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Arizona until he could no longer travel this distance. He also enjoyed going to Bingo at both the Amnicon and Lake Nebagamon Town Halls. He loved the outdoors, fishing, gardening, taking long brisk walks, exercising and jogging. During the past several years he spent a lot of his time reading history and biography books about his favorite people.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife; a brother and sister-in-law, Leo and Mae Meronek; five sisters and their husbands, Mary and William Lambert, Helen and George Engisch, Josephine and Robert Leifeste, Sophie and Robert Surbella and Ann and Eino Anderson; and his very special friend and companion, Bernice Ronn.

He is survived by his son, Roy T. (Donna) Meronek; his daughter, MaryJanet (Bill) Hensley; three grandchildren, Brian Meronek, Laura (Jeff) Keehn and Cheri (Brian) Meredith-Evans; and a great-grandson, Tanner J. Keehn; and many nieces and nephews.

Stanley was a kind, honest and considerate person. He was a real gentleman and most of all he was a gentle man. The family considers it a privilege and a blessing to have had him in their lives.

The family is honoring his request to not have a formal service, but to have a private family celebration of his life.

Downs Funeral Home, corner of Ogden Ave. & 19th St, is assisting Stanley's family with the arrangements.