Willard Stanley

WILLARD STANLEY STERLING-Willard Stanley, 84, of Sterling, died, Monday, May 17, 2021 at Rock River Hospice & Home in Sterling. Willard was born May 9,1937 in Sterling the son of Clark and Macie (Hogge) Stanley. Willard graduated from Sterling High School in 1955, he attended North Central College in Naperville for 2 years until transferring to the University of Illinois where he completed his bachelor degree in mechanical engineering. He married Ruth Landis on June 8, 1968 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sterling. Willard worked at General Electric for 30 years until his retirement in 1997 and was credited with several patents. Willard was called out of retirement by GE to make 4 trips to Italy. Survivors include his wife Ruth Stanley; two sons Gary Stanley of Sterling and Greg (Jennifer) Stanley of Honea Path SC; one brother Ken Stanley of Coleta; one sister Jean (Bob Batley) Stillman of Sterling; four grandchildren Brenden Stanley, Aiden Stanley, Candice Stanley, Ashley Stanley; and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Fischbach; brothers, Robert Stanley, and Earl Stanley. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Saturday May 22, 2021 at Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation with Pastor Zach Mapes, of First Christian Church, officiating. Graveside service at Oak Knoll Memorial Park to follow immediately after the funeral. Visitation will be 5PM-7PM Friday May 20, 2021 at Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation. A memorial has been established. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.