Stanley W. Straate

Stanley W. Straate, 76, of Waukon, IA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Good Samaritan Society in Waukon, after a courageous fight with cancer. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, April 1st, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon with Fr. Philip Agyei officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00–7:00 PM at Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon, with a 3:30 PM scripture service. Burial will be held later at Ebenezer Cemetery, rural Waukon, with close family. Memorials may be directed to Veterans Memorial Hospital 40 1st Street SE, Waukon, IA 52172 or www.veteransmemorialhospital.com/about/foundation/.


      Stanley William Straate was born August 27, 1949, in Waukon, IA, to Edwin H. and Ada E. (Wiemerslage) Straate. He grew up in Waukon, graduating from Waukon High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Iowa State University and continuing his education at the Wisconsin School of Banking in Madison. Stan built a long and respected career in banking, beginning at Kellogg Savings Bank and later returning to Allamakee County, where he spent 27 years at Postville State Bank, for many years serving as president. He later served as president of Freedom Bank in Postville for nine years. Stan enjoyed helping people at the bank and truly valued the connections he made along the way with his customers and colleagues.


      On July 8, 1978, Stan married Mary Pierce at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton, IA. They made a great team, living a life centered on loving their family. One of Stan’s greatest joys was cheering on his children and grandchildren in their many activities. Whether in the stands or watching from home, he rarely missed a game and was always one of their biggest fans.


      A loyal and lifelong sports fan, Stan never passed up the chance to watch a game. He especially loved cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and the Chicago Cubs, enjoying the highs and the lows, and sharing those moments with family whenever he could. Stan also loved the farm where he was raised and remained closely connected to the land throughout his life. He enjoyed gardening and tinkering at the farm whenever he could.


      In retirement, Stan and Mary returned to Waukon and embraced the opportunity to travel and spend more time together. In recent years, he could often be found at the wellness center, out for breakfast with Mary, or in the bleachers supporting his grandchildren. No matter where he was, Stan brought with him a quiet kindness, a sharp sense of humor, and a deep appreciation for the people around him.


      He will be remembered for his quick wit, his unwavering love for his family, and the many small, meaningful ways he showed up for others throughout his life.


      Stan is survived by his wife Mary of Waukon; two children: David “D.E.” (Danielle) Straate and Anne (Christopher) Wuebker; and grandchildren Alex and Miranda Wuebker. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Margaret, Leslie, and Linda Straate.


      Stan’s son-in-law Chris Wuebker will serve as urn bearer. Honorary bearers are Tom Regan, Lyle Henning, and George Beardmore.


      Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.