EUGENE Z. STALNAKER, 96

Former Grand Island resident Eugene Z. Stalnaker, 96, of Blair, died Saturday, March 5, 2005, at Bryan LGH East in Lincoln.

Funeral services were Tuesday, March 8, at First United Methodist Church in Grand Island. Interment was in the Grand Island City Cemetery.

Eugene Z. Stalnaker was born Sept. 24, 1908 at Marquette to Cleveland and Minnie (Ballard) Stalnaker. After his father’s death, he was raised by his mother and her second husband, Faye McIntosh. He grew up in Marquette and Chappell, and graduated from Chappell High School.

On Sept. 8, 1934, he married Alma Blomstedt at Grand Island. The couple lived in Grand Island, where Mr. Stalnaker operated E.Z. Stalnaker and Sons. After retirement, he started a saw-sharpening business.

On Sept. 8, 1989, Eugene and Alma Stalnaker celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Stalnaker died Oct. 10, 1989.

Mr. Stalnaker was a charter member of First United Methodist Church and was instrumental in the building of the current church. He was a member of the Sertoma Club. He enjoyed working with tools and developing photographs of his children.

He is survived by four sons and two daughters-in-law, Robert Stalnaker of Blair; Ronald and Shirley Stalnaker and Daniel and Naomi Stalnaker, all of Omaha; and David Stalnaker of Eugene, Ore.; daughter Sondra Stalnaker of Lincoln; 23 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Evelyn Marble of Cambridge.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two daughters, Virginia Mary and Caroline, and a grandson, William Stalnaker.

Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island was in charge of arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to the family.