Edward "Ed" Joseph Stangler, 82 years old, passed away peacefully on July 3rd, 2026 at his home in Apple Valley, Minnesota surrounded by loved ones after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Mary (Bohn) Stangler, his two children Mark Stangler (Juli Lear) and Jane Lindemood (Shawn), and his 7 grandchildren Ryan Bruno, Joseph Bruno, Quinn Lindemood, Jonas Lindemood, Elizabeth Pappenfus (Ben Hoidal), Tarah Stangler, and Nick Stangler. Ed is also survived by his sister-in-laws Cheryl Stangler, Barbara Reinhart, Nancy Bohn, and Gisele Stangler, his brother-in-law Bob Bohn, and his many beloved nieces and nephews, great-grandchildren, cousins, and treasured friends and neighbors.

Ed was born on December 6th, 1943, in Waseca, Minnesota to Edward and Lillian (Wesley) Stangler. He was the youngest of five siblings, Jerome, Lawrence, Leo and Lorraine (Heyer), all of whom preceded him in death. Throughout his childhood, he learned the values of being a hard worker as he helped on the family farm in Kilkenny, Minnesota. Ed attended school in Waterville, Minnesota where he met his wife of 61 years, Mary (Bohn) in the 9th grade. He went on to attend Mankato University where he studied to earn a degree in education and later earned his Masters. Ed began his teaching career in 1965, primarily teaching 5th grade, and was a beloved teacher for 34 years.

In 1970, he started a painting business with three fellow teachers named SKSK Painting (Jerry Kurz, Leo Stangler, and Sam Knutson) as a way of keeping busy during the summer months. With polka music blasting and great conversations flowing from up on ladders, there was never a dull moment painting with Ed. Even after retirement from teaching, Ed kept up his painting career until the very end.

Ed and Mary began their family life in 1970 after they moved to Apple Valley, Minnesota where they would grow their family by welcoming Jane and Mark (and Zach, their beloved Yorkie) into their lives. Ed will always be remembered as a dedicated father figure, not only to his own children, but to his nieces and nephew and many others in his neighborhood. His compassionate and caring demeanor was equally matched by his goofy and fun loving spirit. Those who he helped raise are left with many memories of him participating in whatever shenanigans they managed to pull him into.

A hard worker and generous person, Ed was always on the go. In his free time, he was an avid bridge player with his wife as his best partner. If you didn't know them well, you might have assumed they were cheating the way they always seemed to know what the other had in their hand. He was a devout member of his congregation and was known amongst his church community as someone who fully embodied the teachings of Christ by always being a person who was willing to give his time and resources to those in need.

Ed's Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, July 17 at 11 AM at Church of the Risen Savior in Burnsville, Minnesota, beginning with a visitation at 10 AM. Christian Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Kilkenny, Minnesota at 3 O'clock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ed's name can be made to Sharing and Caring hands, 360 Communities, or Cross Catholic Outreach.

Ed's legacy is one of hardworking ethics, faith, generosity, and love. We will miss him dearly

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White Funeral Home, Apple Valley, MN 952-432-2001

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com