Stanley R. Ask

Stanley Ask was born on June 24, 1927 on a farm south of St. Ansgar, and 95 years later peacefully passed away in the same farm house. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage with Pastor Lance Kittleson officiating. Burial will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery at St. Ansgar. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Friday, August 12 at the church. At the young age of 5, Stanley became the “man of the house” after the passing of his father, Rudolph Ask and his mother, Gunia (Nubson) Ask, worked diligently to fulfill her promise of “Keeping the boy on the farm”. In the early years, Stanley and childhood buddy, Kenny Kittleson, walked to Country School Rock No. 2. He later attended St. Ansgar School, graduating in 1945. The day after graduating he left to serve in the Navy, in WWII. Stan then returned home to farm: fulfilling his lifelong dream of raising hogs, cattle, and crops. On an evening out to a local roller rink, according to Stan, Darlene Barrows, fell for him at “first sight”. Darlene quick to correct, said she fell into him because she couldn’t stop. Regardless of the story, thus sparked a romance and the couple married on August 1,1953, at the Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams, MN. Stanley loved people and served through his work with the church, the American Legion, Pork Producers, Beef Producers, and as a 4-H leader. He was passionate about bringing affordable electricity to the rural community, serving on the St. Ansgar REC Board for 37 years, many as President. His kids and grandkids have many colorful memories, as Stanley was innovative; if he didn’t have a tool, or a part, he’d make one, like multiple “grabber sticks”, fishing gadgets, or various bird houses. He was a keen wood-worker and helped with countless 4-H projects. His culinary skills were unique; a very large bowl of popcorn covered with half butter, half lard or his specialty, a pile of marshmallows on paper plate, covered with chocolate chips, microwaved until puffy, all eaten with a large spoon. Stanley treasured fishing with friends and grandkids, solving the world’s problems with Stoney Creek coffee buddies, and a good game of Aggravation. He was a lover of dogs, and lab, “Keg” kept him company until the end. Stan is survived by children Janice Marsh of Bahia, Ecuador, Wayne (Sheryl) Ask, of Rosehill, Pam (Joe) Marzen of Stacyville; grandchildren, Paul Tynan, Rudy Ask, Mandy (Ask) Murphy, Amy (Ask) McNeal, Nicolas Marzen, Lucas Marzen, Katie (Marzen) Schell, Leigh Marzen; and 18 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Connie Johnson; step grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Stanley is preceded in death by his wife Darlene of 62 years; parents Rudolph & Gunia, daughter-in-law Carol Ask son-in-law Warren Marsh. We will remember the bright blue eyes, the hearty laugh, and parting message, “Drive carefully, Watch out for kooks, I love you! and Bye for now.” In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to St. Ansgar American Legion Post 358, St. Ansgar First Responders, Mitchell Co Home Health or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Osage. Champion Funeral Home (641)732-3706.