Imelda "Jean" Stanger

Imelda Jean Fahrenbacher Stanger was born on April 27, 1923 to Gustav and Mary Ludwig Fahrenbacher outside of Springfield, Illinois. She grew up on a farm during the great depression with three beloved older brothers, Frank “Bud”, Elmer “Sonny”, and Gilbert.  Imelda later joined the Navy Waves where she met and fell in love with a young marine named Harold Stanger. After World War II, they started their life together in Davenport, a cherished second hometown.

Imelda could often be found sitting on her front porch, enjoying her beautiful garden.  She was a busy woman with many hobbies, including playing cards, bowling, volunteering, attending services at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, gardening, and cheering on her favorite golfers.

Of all the things Imelda took pride in, her family was number one.  As the matriarch of a family growing past 40 descendants, she was vocal and proud of each and every one.  Honest and hard-headed, she never said a bad word behind your back or gave a false compliment to your face. She taught her family how to play cards, including the importance of never letting someone else win when it can be helped.  Her home was full of booming laughter, salty popcorn, and love for everyone who graced her front steps. She was a grandmother to all she encountered, or as she was affectionately called, One Rad Gran.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her three brothers, her husband, and her daughter-in-law Paula Lake Stanger.  She is survived by her children, Mary Carole (Dannie) Stamp of Phoenix, Phyllis Strasser of Des Moines, Gerald “Jerry” (Mary Ann) Stanger of Bettendorf, David (Deb) Stanger of Phoenix, and Thomas “Tom” Stanger of Davenport; her twelve grandchildren; her fifteen great-grandchildren, with more on the way; and many loving extended relatives.