Charles “Chuck” Dean Stabenow of Milford, Nebraska died peacefully on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Seward Memorial Hospital at the age of 80 years. He was born at the United States Naval Base, Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California on February 22, 1943 to Glenn Charles and Helen Pauline (Pake) Stabenow while his father was serving in the United States Navy as an Electrician’s Mate First Class. After his father was killed in action on the USS Hazelwood on April 29, 1945, Chuck and his sister traveled with an aunt to Hastings, Nebraska where he grew up under the guardianship of his grandparents, John and Geneva Stabenow.

Chuck was baptized in the Christian faith and later confirmed at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on April 14, 1957 while also attending the Hastings Public Schools. After high school he attended the  Nebraska Vocational Trade School in Milford where he met his wife Nita of 61 years. Chuck was united in marriage on October 13, 1961 to Wanetta Floy Stauffer in Milford and to this union three sons were born, Charles Dean Jr., John Glenn, and Steven Floyd.

Chuck owned and managed rental trailer apartments with his wife for many years and also worked in maintenance at the Milford Rest Home. He also worked and traveled for Gene’s Electric repairing power lines and later helped his wife with her home cleaning business. Charlie enjoyed camping, fishing, the wildlife and gardening.

Chuck is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law; Chuck & Lesli Stabenow of Mesa, Arizona; John & Tami Stabenow of Milford, Nebraska; Steve & Merri Stabenow of East Alton, Illinois; eight grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law; Carolyn and Larry Townley, TX; sister-in-law; Shirley Utter, KS; sister-in-law & brother-in-law; Tim & Connie Stauffer, NE; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nita in 2022, infant grandson Kyle Dean in 1997, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Morris and Grace Stauffer, Thurlowe and Inez Stauffer and Brian Utter.

A private family burial was held at Blue Mound Cemetery, Milford on February 9, 2024. Memorials can be sent directly to, Milford Volunteer Fire & Rescue, PO Box 81, Milford, NE 68405. Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com.  Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln, NE.