Obituary: Stanley Joseph Marhefka

Stanley Joseph Marhefka was born on Sept. 18, 1928, in New London, Conn., to Stanley W. Marhefka and Stella (Kokoszka) Marhefka. After a lengthy illness, Stan passed, surrounded by loved ones, on July 9, 2013, at the age of 84.

He grew up in Lowell, Mass., and lived there for 55 years before retiring to Chino Valley, Ariz., in 1983. He joined the United States Navy at 17 years of age before completing his high school career. He proudly served in World War II and The Korean War. In 1952, he married the love of his life, Virginia (Serrino) Marhefka. They shared a blessed 52 years of marriage before Ginny sadly passed in 2004.

After his marriage, he worked as a furniture maker and also was employed by the City of Lowell for over 30 years. He had a band and played the accordion for over 40 years. Some of Stanley's interests were hunting, fishing, AKC show dogs, raising racing pigeons, farm animals and raising his two children. For several years, Stan was the superintendent of the Dairy Cattle Department for the Yavapai County Fair.

Stan was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his two children, Stanley J. Marhefka Jr. (Donna) and Karen A.

Beauchesne (Richard); grandchildren Stanley J. Marhefka III, Adam J. Marhefka, Kayce L. Beauchesne Peters (Christopher), Alissa Beauchesne Do (Tyler), and Taylor M. Beauchesne; and great-grandchildren Reagan Rose Peters and Mason James Peters. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia (Ginny) and great-grandson Samuel James Peters. He was a wonderful man in every way and was very proud of his family, especially being a great-grandfather.

Services will be 10 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2013, at Saint Catherine's Laboure Church in Chino Valley.

Arrangements made by Chino Valley Funeral Home.

Information provided by survivors.