Charles "Chuck" Dean Stabenow of Milford died peacefully on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, at Seward Memorial Hospital at the age of 80 years.
He was born at the United States Naval Base, Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California, on Feb. 22, 1943, to Glenn Charles and Helen Pauline "Pake" Stabenow while his father was serving in the United States Navy as an Electricians Mate First Class. After his father was killed in action while serving aboard the USS Hazelwood on April 29, 1945, Chuck and his sister traveled with an aunt to Hastings, where he grew up under the gaurdianship of his grandparents, John and Geneva Stabenow.
Chuck was baptized in the Christian faith and later confirmed at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church on April 14, 1957, while also attending the Hastings Public Schools. After high school, he attended the Nebraska Vocational Trade School in Milford, where he met his wife, Nita, of 61 years. Chuck was united in marriage on Oct. 13, 1961, to Wanetta Floy Stauffer in Milford, and to this union, three sons were born: Charles Dean, Jr., John Glenn, and Steven Floyd.
Chuck owned and managed rental trailer apartments with his wife for many years and worked in maintenance at the Milford rest home. He also worked and traveled for Gene's Electric, repairing power lines and later helped his wife with her home cleaning business. Chuck enjoyed camping, fishing, the wildlife and gardening.
Chuck is survived by his sons and daughter-in-laws, Chuck and Lesli Stabenow in Mesa, Arizona, John and Tami Stabenow in Milford, Steve and Merri Stabenow in East Alton, Illinois; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Larry Townley, Texas; sister-in-law, Shirley Utter, Kansas; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Tim and Connie Stauffer, Nebraska; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives.
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Nita, in 2022; infant grandson, Kyle Dean, in 1997; brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Morris and Grace Stauffer, Thurlowe and Inez Stauffer and Brian Utter.
A private family burial was held at Blue Mound Cemetary in Milford on Feb. 9. Memorial contributions are suggested to Milford Volunteer Fire & Rescue PO Box 81, Milford, NE, 68405. Condolences may be left online at trumpmemorials.com.
