Stanley Joseph Penland

Stanley Joseph Penland, known to everyone as Stan, passed away at home with his family on May 16, 2025. He was 79.

Stan was born August 22, 1945 in Longmont CO to Mary (Brockelman) Penland and Gordon Henry Penland. He grew up in Colby Kansas and graduated from Colby High School.

He went on to college at Fort Hayes State University and he graduated with a bachelor’s degree. His college career was put on hiatus during 1968-1970, when he served in the US Army during the Vietnam war. He served as an infantry operations and intelligence specialist. He received multiple awards, including a bronze star.

On June 24, 1969, Stan married Pamela Diane Harner in Colorado Springs CO. The two of them lived in the Springs while Stan was stationed at Fort Carson.

Stan and Pam had two children, Jennifer and Grant. In the mid-1970’s, the family moved to Sterling Colorado, where Stan lived until 2022.

Stan worked for Gifford Hill, Isbell Irrigation, and Plains Irrigation. In the early 80’s, Stan started working for the Sterling Post Office. He worked there until his retirement. He had the distinction of never calling in sick during his entire post office career. After he retired, he stayed busy and worked part time for Ertle Brothers Auto Sales. He assisted with picking up cars they purchased at the auction in Denver.

Stan was known for his love of animals. He always had at least one dog, and often had a stray cat or two hanging around. He also took joy in feeding squirrels in his back yard. He placed food out for them all year round and at times as many as nine or ten squirrels could be seen hanging out in his back yard.

He enjoyed woodworking and made many unique items over the years. He spent hours at his table saw on the weekends, and daily after he retired.

He also loved reading. He read mostly mysteries and always had an abundance of books at his house. He also loved doing crossword puzzles, sudoku, and putting together jigsaw puzzles. He also enjoyed going to yard sales every weekend during the summer.

Stan was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Penland, and his mother, Mary Penland. He is survived by Pam Harner, his daughter, Jennifer Carfagno (Frederick V), his son Grant Penland (Sam), grandkids Eddie (Mandy), Jeremy (Antonio), Ashely (Juan), Isaac, and Andre (Jena), and several great-grandchildren, as well ah his brother, Terry Penland..

There will be a celebration of Stan’s life on June 28, 2025 at Springs Funeral Services, 3115 E Platte Ave, Colorado Springs CO at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the National Mill Dog Rescue, 5335 JD Johnson Rd, Peyton CO 80831, 719-683-3334, in his name.