Charles E. Stanier

Charles E. Stanier, age 79, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, January 18th, 2021. He made sure he was surrounded by his loving wife of over 53 years, Janice Stanier, as well as his daughters, Jennifer Green, Becky DeRuntz, and Laura Knight. Charles’ granddaughters, Sophie, Josephine, and Ruby, were also able to say goodbye, as well as his son-in-law’s, Robert DeRuntz and Michael Knight. He will be dearly missed by his sister, Jan Plummer, and his nieces, Tracy Murphy and Pam Adamik, and their respective families, along with his nephew, Chris Plummer.
Charles was a graduate of Horace Mann High School in Gary, Indiana. He received his BS from Duke University where he played football and his Master’s Degree from Butler University. Charles began teaching Social Studies at Valparaiso High School in 1967, where he taught for thirty-three years before retiring in 2000. Charles taught summer school for more than 15 years so that the family could make ends meet. He coached both football and wrestling, and helped lead the Valparaiso Vikings football team to the 3A State Championship in 1975.
His girls will always remember the firetruck ride through town. One of his proudest achievements was being inducted into the Indiana High School Football Hall of Fame. He was a constant presence in the Porter County 4-H Horse and Pony club, cheering his daughters on and helping build the horse barns at the Expo Center in Valparaiso, Indiana.
After retiring from teaching, Charles and Janice lived on Crooked Lake in Angola, Indiana. Some of the family’s greatest memories were of dad, his boat, the Skipjack, and dad’s love of the water. After Angola, Charles and Janice moved to Kentucky Lake to enjoy a warmer lake lifestyle. They also lived in both Georgia and North Carolina, staying close to sunshine and swimming pools. Charles and Janice made their way back to Indianapolis, Indiana, which is where Janice continues to reside. Charles enjoyed woodworking in his free time, creating cherished heirlooms for family and friends.
Charles was a loyal friend to many, an incredible and memorable teacher, a hard-nosed football coach, a loving husband, and a devoted father. He was a giant of a man, with a heart to match. His laugh was infectious and will forever ring in the lives he touched. Charles made sure his wife and daughters knew they were loved every single day of their lives, and Janice, Jenny, Becky, and Laura felt pride in him always. Charles loved, laughed, played, and fought hard until the very end. His family will strive to move forward, living their lives by the example he set, knowing he is watching.
The family will have a private ceremony this summer to spread his ashes on the water he so loved.
Memorial contributions can be made to the APDA at www.apdaparkinson.org/donate or The Michael J. Fox Foundation at www.michaeljfox.org/donate