MILFORD — Stanley Joseph Fairbanks, 97, passed away September 27, 2026, at the Norfolk Veterans Home in Norfolk, Nebraska, where he had lived since 2022. His life spanned nearly a century, with years devoted to military service, hard work and family.
A graveside funeral service was held Monday, October 5, 2026, at Calvary Cemetery, 2104 225th Street in Milford, Iowa.
Stan was born December 9, 1928, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Ralph and Maureen (Aldred) Fairbanks. He grew up in Milford with his sisters, Shirley and Connie, and graduated from Milford High School in 1948.
In 1951, Stan was drafted into the United States Army. He served in Germany during the Korean Conflict and received an honorable discharge in 1953. That same year he entered military service, Stan married Margaret Bauer of Milford at Camp Atterbury in Indiana.
Stan built his working career with the Omaha Public Power District, where he served as a control room operator until retirement. He and Margaret raised their family on an 80-acre farm east of Crescent, Iowa, a place that became the center of their family life.
His family included two sons, Jon (Bridgitte) Fairbanks and Joe (Celeste) Fairbanks; daughter Patti (Dan) Dickerson; daughter-in-law Wendy Fairbanks; six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Stan was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; son Dave; his parents; and his sisters, Shirley and Connie.
From his childhood in Milford and service overseas to decades of work and family life on their Iowa farm, Stan leaves memories spanning several generations. His long life will be honored by those who knew and loved him.
Memories and condolences can be shared through Turner Jenness Funeral Home.
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