Stanley E. Anker, 84, of Saginaw, died late Monday evening, July 20, 2015 at Medilodge in Cass City, surrounded by his family. He was born April 19, 1931 in Cass City, son of the late John and Irma (Schantz) Anker and was a graduate of Cass City High School. Stanley worked on the family farm from 1949 until he joined the U.S. Army. He served his country from 1955 until 1957. On May 28, 1960 he married the former Joan Mae Spindler in Wheeler. She predeceased him November 28, 2013. Mr. Anker was employed as a Machine Operator at Steering Gear in Saginaw for twenty-nine years until his retirement in 1994. He also was employed at Agrico Fertilizer near Reese for eight years. Stanley was a member or the St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Freeland. In his younger years he was involved in playing fast-pitch softball. He enjoyed watching local high school sports and especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren play in their various sporting events. He was a kind and loving man and devoted his time and talents to helping other people.

Surviving are his children; Sandra L. Hall and her fiancée’ Eric P. Johnson of Augusta, GA; Jeffrey P. Anker and his wife Natalie A. (Singer) of Unionville; and Patricia A. Anker of Millington; six grandchildren; Sarah Watts and her husband Jason, Jeremy Hall, Shelby Anker, and Cole, Taylor, and Brayden Anker, four great-grandchildren; David, Madison, and Carter Martin, and Peyton Desander and four step-great-grandchildren, Dakota, Jonathan, Breanna and Dalton Watts. Also surviving are his two brothers and their spouses; Howard and Patricia Anker of Saginaw; and Lyle and Judy Anker of Cass City; four sisters; Audrey Short and her husband Ralph, Gerry Brown, Mary Thayer and Cathy Anker, all of Vassar; and sister-in-law, Bernice Spindler of Beaverton; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Stanley was predeceased by two brothers; Norris and Donald Anker and one sister; Marge Braddock.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2015 from the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 6185 Hospital Road Freeland. Rev. Spencer G. Biga will officiate with graveside committal services to take place at 2:00 p.m. in the Eastlawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Saginaw. Mr. Anker’s family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 9940 Saginaw St in Reese on Thursday from 2-7 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the services. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Freeland.