Stanley Madaj II

Stanley “Stan” Madaj II, age 85, passed away November 7, 2024, at Chancellor Gardens due to lung cancer. He was born on November 19, 1938, to Stanley and Sylvia Madaj in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he grew up with his sister, Mary Ann. Stan attended Catholic schools while growing up. Stan was very proud of his Polish heritage, as well.

Stan joined the Air Force at age 17 and served 30 years, which included two tours of duty at Da Nang Air Base during the Vietnam War. Stan’s specialty in the Air Force was in Ammo and he built many friendships while serving. He retired from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sargeant. While in the Air Force, Stan was stationed in many different locations of the world, including Italy and Germany.

Stan married Donna Mae Waldron, the love of his life, on June 24, 1960, in Caruthersville, Missouri, which was Donna’s hometown. Stan and Donna had two children, Stanley “Butch” Madaj III and Patricia “Patty” Madaj, who joined Stan at the different bases he was stationed at. Stan and Donna retired to Syracuse, Utah where they resided until both of their deaths. Donna passed away June 1, 2018, and Stan never remarried.

Stan received his Associate’s Degree in General Studies at Weber State University, specializing in photography, which became one of his many hobbies. Stan and Donna loved to travel in their 5th wheel, visiting friends and family while touring the country. Stan loved trains, which he learned from his father who was a stevedore for the railroad while Stan was growing up. While Stan and Donna visited different cities, Stan would seek out the train museums and stations. Stan also loved to read, and always had several books lined up, ready to read after finishing one. 

The biggest “hobby” Stan and Donna had was being Green Bay Packers fans, as well as being a shareholder in the team. No matter how the team performed, they were die-hard fans. Their whole house was decorated in Green Bay Packers memorabilia, and everyone knew not to bother them during game time unless you were there to help them cheer the Pack on.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Syracuse City Cemetery. 1250 South 1000 West, Syracuse. Friends may visit with family prior to service from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Lindquist’s Syracuse Mortuary. 869 South 2000 West, Syracuse UT. Where Military Honors will be accorded.

Stan leaves behind his two children, Butch (Brenda) and Patty, 1 grandson and 2 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife Donna; sister Mary Ann Maslowski; and parents Stanley and Sylvia.

The family would like to thank the staff at Chancellor Gardens and Symbii Home Health/Hospice who provided loving care during the last months of his life.

The family would also like to thank Lindquist Mortuary in Syracuse, especially Laurie Abraham, for their care, guidance and compassion during this time.