Stanley Mager

Stanley was born June 8, 1924 at his family home in Negaunee to Arthur and Lila (Alongo) Mager and graduated from Negaunee High School. Following school he worked underground in various mines before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served during WWII on the USS South Dakota, BB52, which was the most decorated battleship of the war.

He was present when General McArthur signed the Peace Treaty in Tokyo Bay. Following his service to his county he returned home and continued his work in the mines, retiring from the Empire Mine as a foreman in 1980.

Stanley had a great sense of humor. He had a loving heart and found much joy in his family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, volunteering and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed time spent at his daughters’ camp making memories. He also cherished his trips to visit the USS South Dakota Memorial and the U.P. Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Mr. Mager was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Negaunee, was a lifelong member of VA Romo Post 3165, Negaunee VFW and was also a member of the Negaunee Eagles.

Surviving are his daughters, Debra (Edward) Kangas of Cottage Grove, WI and Kimberly (Gary) Stille of Negaunee Twp.; 5 grandchildren: Scott Mager of Beaver Dam, WI, Bradley (Nicole) Stille of Ishpeming Twp., Kelli Stille of Negaunee Twp., Gabriel Kangas of San Francisco and Lacey (James) Eggert of Hawthorn Woods, IL; 7 great-grandchildren: Micaela and Sierra Mager, Ashley and Hannah Stille and Emmalyn, Jolie and Brecken Eggert; sister, Beverly (John) Roberts of Marquette; brother, Robert (Nancy) Mager of Negaunee; sister-in-law, LeAnn Brewall of Marquette; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, ‘Betty’ on January 17, 2016; his son, Stanley ‘Butch’ Mager; a grandson, Greg Mager; and his sister, Hazel Uitto.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 am on Thursday, January 4th at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Negaunee with Rev. Terry Cathcart officiating. Interment will be in the Negaunee Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday, and also at a luncheon immediately following services in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may directed in Stanley’s name to VA Romo Post 3165, Negaunee VFW, 208 Gold St., Negaunee, MI 49866.

Stanley’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com, where memories and condolences may be shared.