Stanley Alexander

Grand Island resident, Stanley E. Alexander, 76, formerly of Hastings, lost his struggle Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at Saint Francis Medical Center in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Services will be Friday, September 24, 2010; 10:30 A.M. at First Presbyterian Church, Hastings with Rev. Dr. William Nottage-Tacey officiating. A private family burial will follow the service at Parkview Cemetery, Hastings, Nebraska. Visitation will be Thursday, September 23, 2010; 1:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. with family present from 7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to the family.

Stanley was born on October 6, 1933, to M.C. "Tex" & Anna (Schwartzkopf) Alexander in Hastings, Nebraska. As a boy he traveled with his parents and graduated from Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1951. He was drafted into the Army in July 1953 and was honorably discharged in June 1955. Stanley was united in marriage to Phyliss Ann DeVries on January 27, 1954 in Hastings, Nebraska, and they were married for 56 years. They lived in Hastings where Stanley and Ray Smith were business partners of Hastings Plumbing and Heating. Stanley and Phyliss moved to an acreage south of Grand Island in 1987. He retired in 1995. Stanley was elected to Free Masonry Hastings Lodge #50 in Hastings, Nebraska on September 3, 1964; raised to Entered Apprentice Mason on September 10, 1964; raised to Fellowcraft Mason on December 17, 1964; raised to sublime degree of a Master Mason on February 18, 1965; and became the Worshipful Master in 1970. On April 4, 1967 he became a 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason, and on December 7, 1973 he became a 32 degree K.C.C.H. He served as Potentate Aid to Gene Burmester in 1984. When his son Mark became a Mason in Hastings Lodge #50, they both also joined Cement Lodge #211 in Wood River, Nebraska. Stanley enjoyed bow hunting, fishing, gardening, working with stained glass, spending time with his family, and beloved dog Harley. He also enjoyed putting smiles on peoples' faces as a clown with the Shriners.

Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, M.C. & Anna Alexander; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Tobias & Elise DeVries; brother-in-law, Byron Gates; and infant granddaughter.

Survivors include:
Wife: Phyliss Ann (DeVries) Alexander - Grand Island, NE
Daughters & Son-in-law: Cyndie & Mike Sidlo - Hastings, NE
Vicki Johnson - Lead, SD
Son: Mark Alexander - Grand Island, NE
Grandchildren & Spouses: Andrew & Stephanie Sidlo
Matthew & Jenny Sidlo
Alex & Sandra Johnson
Marshall Johnson
Whitney Johnson
Great-Grandchildren: 8
Sister: Mary Gates - Gainesville, TX
Numerous Cousins, Nieces, & Nephews