Dane County Mourns Death of Coroner John Stanley

September 14, 2009
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606
County Executive

The staff of the Dane County Coroner’s Office is very sad to report the death of Dane County Coroner, John E. Stanley.

Mr. Stanley died unexpectedly at his home Sunday afternoon, September 13, 2009.  The death appears to be natural in manner.  An investigation is currently being conducted by the Dane County Coroner’s staff who have been assisted by the DeForest Police Department and Dane County Sheriff’s Office. 

John’s family and co-workers are deeply grieved as a result of this loss.  They request that the media and public respect the privacy of John’s family and also request that telephone calls to the Coroner’s office be limited in the immediate future as county staff attempt to cope with the loss of our friend and colleague.

“John Stanley was a dedicated public servant who committed many years of his life to a challenging profession that called on his expertise all hours of the day, every day of the week,”  County Executive Kathleen Falk said.

John began his work with Dane County as Deputy Coroner in 1991 and was first elected coroner effective January 2001.  He held that position for more than eight years.

“John was quiet and humble, but always good for a smile.  The work he had was difficult but he was a true professional in every sense of the word.  John’s compassion and empathy was there for so many families at their most needy times,” Falk added.

John served three tours of duty in Vietnam.  Given what he saw each day in his work, John was one of the first to offer assistance to the county’s recent efforts to reduce the harms of alcohol abuse.

“John Stanley’s experience and unwavering commitment to the citizens of Dane County will be missed.  Our hearts go out to his wife and children,” Falk concluded.

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