Stanley Ernest Mares

Stanley E. Mares, age 89, passed away on January 19, 2024, in Barron, Wisconsin.

Stanley was born to Frank and Frances Mares in Wisconsin on November 2, 1934.

While attending Chetek High School Stan met his future bride, Elizabeth Novak, at a ZCBJ dance hall.

After graduating from high school in 1952, Stan attended Wisconsin State University in River Falls from 1952-1956 and received a BS in agricultural education. Besides achieving Honorary Society Membership and Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, Stan served as an FFA officer, senior class vice president, varsity football player, and worked part-time.

This led to a research assistantship at UW-Madison and a Master's degree in genetics and dairy science in 1958. This was followed by a Ph.D. in endocrinology and genetics in 1962. Stan was also an instructor of reproductive physiology in the Department of Genetics from 1958-62.

In 1962, Stan joined the Biological Research staff at G.D Searle Pharmaceutical Co. near Chicago. He advanced to group leader in 1971. During this time his major contributions were to the first successful oral contraceptive, Ovulen, and the most successful intrauterine device at the time, the Copper-T.

Stan married his wife Elizabeth on Aug. 30, 1958, and raised 4 kids with her. Over the next 3 decades, Stan worked in various capacities in the field of research and development as a senior regulator affairs specialist for Fort Dodge Labs and later for Mallinckrodt Veterinary until he retired in 1997.

Stan was a dedicated family man teaching his children and grandchildren the joys of pole fishing and boating on the Chain of Lakes. A special talent of Stan's was growing rose and vegetable gardens; he spent summers canning vegetables. He loved to polka with his wife of 62 years, listen to old-time country music, and cheer for his favorite teams, the Cubs and Bears.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Frances Mares, wife, Elizabeth Mares, brothers, Bill and Clarence Mares, and son-in-law, Bradley Erickson.

Stan is survived by son, Alan (Gayle) Mares, Arlington Heights, IL; daughters, Cindy (Neal) Rowe, Terre Haute, IN; Julie (Larry) Wambolt, Cody, WY; Tina Erickson, Dekalb, IL; grandchildren, Lance (Aubrey), Carolyn, Patrick, Cody, Brooklyn, Natalie (Josh), Allyson, and great-grandsons, Parker and Jett, as well as nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 1, 2024, at the St. Boniface Catholic Church in Chetek, Wisconsin at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service.

The Burnham-Ours-Kolstad Family Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.