Submitted by his Wife

Carl S. Engdahl‚ Stan as he was known‚ grew up on a farm west of Marquette‚ KS. Here‚ he enjoyed hunting‚ fishing and trapping.

He started racing motorcycles in 1946 and retired from that in 1993. Stanley won over 600 awards in that time‚ including five times National scrambles and 16 State championships!

After serving two years in the army‚ Stan returned to Marquette and opened a radio and television shop. He retired from this in 1999 after 45 years.

In 2003 the ‘Kansas Motorcycle museum’ was built in Marquette and Stan and his wife LaVona were co-curators. Stanley and LaVona were married for 55 years. Between racing and fire fighting‚ not much time was ever spent at home! His wonderful wife now continues his legacy by proudly opening the museum daily and sharing his stories. Stanley sure had the gift of story telling!

Stanley was an American Legion member. He also served on the city council for several terms. He was a Charter Life member of the American Motorcycle Association and many other grand deeds.

However‚ it was the fire department that held his interest! He was on the fire department for 51 years and its fire Chief for 36 years! McPherson County Rural Fire District #2 is a volunteer district. It covers over 219 sq. miles of mostly grass lands. Kansas winds blow hard most of the time making it difficult to contain a fire. Stanley spent many hours repairing and building trucks etc. For a small rural fire department‚ Marquette has very unique fire fighting capabilities‚ due to Stanley’s abilities to repair and rebuild!

On November 12th‚ 2007 Stanley responded to a fire where he tragically suffered a massive heart attack and died. His fellow fire fighters and first responders were on the scene‚ but sadly could not save their mentor and friend. In his honor‚ the town now plans to dedicate the new fire house to their hero. Town folk knew they could always rely on Stanley for a helping hand and solid advice. As the Mayor stated in Eulogy‚ ‘the town has lost a friend and protector.’ Stanley is missed by all who knew and loved him.