Fred Stankey, 86, passed away on October 14, 2015. He was born in Bryant, S.D., to Fred and Elizabeth Stankey.
Of his 17 siblings, he is survived by Ella Davidson, 92 of South Dakota; as well as many nieces and nephews. Also surviving Fred are Evelyn Knowles, his significant other, her daughter Denise Gjerde and grandchild Erin Longdon, his garage family George Jackson and Pat Hoy.
Fred took pride in his work. Not one day of Fred’s 86 years of life was spent resting. Fred served in the USMC as well as construction work, Asarco and janitorial work. However, his favorite job, which he worked the longest at, was in the garage. Fred LOVED working on, trading, buying and selling cars as well as building onto his mega garage. Fred’s garage was a stopping place for many guys where more was traded than a good story.
Fred loved South Dakota, home cooked meals and apple pies, especially if they were made by his sister Ella.
We will miss the stories, his laugh and time in the garage with Fred.
A celebration of Fred’s life will be from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at Best Bet Casino, 1125 Euclid Ave. Fred will be laid to rest at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Cemetery 2:00 p.m. October 24,2015 Bryant, South Dakota. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Fred.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m.
Wednesday October 21, 2015
Best Bet Casino
1225 Euclid Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday October 24, 2015
Our Redeemers Lutheran Cemetery
Bryant , South Dakota 57221
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kelly schroeder rhimer says
Our family has lost quite a few members, but loosing Fred seems so hard and difficult. The only comparison I come up with is the Energizer Bunny. He had been through ssooo much and came back kicking every time. Thought he would be around forever. Going to miss you Fred, things will be less painful now. Have a beautiful journey. My thoughts and prayers are with you Evie, Denise, Erin and Joe and Freds family.
steve wong says
So very sorry to hear Fred has checked out. I truly admired his work ethic and his knowledge of old vehicles. I loved to visit him at his shop and see what he was rebuilding. We traded parts and stories for a lot of years and while he wasn’t thrilled with my hot rods, we shared a passion for old iron, and the satisfaction and economy of doing it oneself. Saw him not long ago at my place and he hauled off some old junk for a future project he was going to get started, even though he wasn’t feeling too well. Honestly there will never be another Fred and I will miss him greatly. I hope the Lord has a rusty project in Heaven that Fred can get busy with! Deepest sympathy to Fred’s family’
Lavonne Curtis says
So sorry to hear of Buddy’s passing. Prayers to you, Evie.
JoDell Stankey Flores says
Going to miss you uncle Buddy! Thoughts and prayers to all.
Denise Gjerde says
If you have a vehicle that would represent Fred because you bought/traded/got a part for/talked with him about it etc. Please drive it to his celebration.
Also if you could please mention any vehicles you and Fred collaborated on when you sign the guest book at the celebration.
Thanks
Jannae says
You’re are forever in my heart uncle buddy. You are all in my thoughts .
Linda Struthers (Lesiak) says
Uncle Buddy you will be missed.
You were a ball to run to yard sales with, even if you didn’t want to were your seatbelt… When I would pick you up at the bus station or airport to take you to honeys house, your sister Freda Lesiak/my mom. You would pulling out your pocket knife with in minutes to see what you could fix in my car, from sun viser, too the seat belt… Oh for the memories. .
Evelyn Knowles says
I’d like to thank you for all the prayers, cards,food that was sent out or brought to me during the time of Fred’s passing. Specially to my daughter Denise and grand daughter Erin and Joe Knowles for all that they have done for me and will continue doing for me Love them with all my heat.Also like to thank Linda Weber,niece Bobbyjoe,great neice Korissa for being here for me. Thank Geoge Jackson and Pat Hoy for there great friend ship and help. Prayers are with you all. Evelyn Knowles
Roberta Ward says
I believe Fred Stankey (Senior) was my grandfather — Steve Stankey’s — brother. My grandpa lived in De Smet, SD . He drowned when his vehicle went thru the ice while ice fishing December 28, 1965. He was preceded in death (at that time) by 4 brothers — Fred, Adolph, Ernest, and Ralph, and 3 sisters — Clara, Emma, and Anna. Two other sisters — Alvina and Tillie died after December 28, 1965.
A cousin has been researching family history and I sent her the obit for Fred Jr. from the De Smet News for her file of family history.
I now live in Iroquois, SD, just 15 miles from De Smet, but grew up in De Smet so I still get the local newspaper.
My condolences to Fred Jr.’s family. Great photos of him on the funeral website.
Sincerely,
Roberta (Bobbi) Ward
Nancy Landaas says
Uncle Buddy ,
I sure miss our talks . I miss hearing your voice, miss talking about my Dad , and just knowing you were there. But I know you and my Dad are together my two favorite men . I love you much and so miss so. Love you forever !