Thomas C. Stankus

Jul 21, 1932 - Aug 13, 2011

SOUTH BEND - Thomas C. Stankus, 79, residing in West Lafayette, IN, formerly of South Bend, IN, passed away at 1:58 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2011, in the Rosewalk Village Health-care Center, Lafayette, IN.

He was born on July 21, 1932, in Illinois, a son of John J. and Mae (Siroky) Stankus. On August 19, 1955, in South Bend, IN, he married Lavetta J. (Vance) Stankus. They enjoyed nearly 55 years of marriage until her passing on May 18, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Monica Klopfenstein on May 10, 2006, and a brother, Richard J. Stankus.

Mr. Stankus is survived by his son-in-law, David Klopfenstein of West Lafayette, IN; five grandchildren, Heather (Phil) Wilkins of Indianapolis, IN, Ben Klopfenstein of New York, Sarajane, Martha and Mary Klopfenstein all of Lafayette, IN.

He earned a BA and MA degree in education from Ball State University. He retired as an elementary school teacher, teaching for twenty-three years in the Lafayette schools and for twelve years at Greene Township school in St. Joseph County. He retired in 1993. Mr. Stankus was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in South Bend where he served as an Usher, Elder and Deacon. He was past president of the St. Joseph County Parks Board and a member of the St. Joseph County Park Foundation. He was an active member and Past President of the South Bend Audubon Society, where he also served in most offices with the Society. In 2005, he received its National Award for membership and leadership in teaching. Tom was an avid birder, making several birding expeditions abroad and claiming a life list of over 3000 species. He loved to garden and will be remembered by his many friends as a warm outgoing man interested in the welfare of others.

He also served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955.

Sources: Ancestry.com and FindAGrave.com

03/12/2025 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75083117/thomas-c.-stankus