Stanley Jay “SJ” Acrea, 78 of Marion, IA formerly of Missouri Valley, IA passed away on Tuesday, June 2 in Marion, Iowa at the home of his Son. He was born on August 5th 1941 to the parents of Stanley and Irene (Kilgore) Acrea. He was the middle of three sons. SJ graduated from Missouri Valley High School and served in the US Army. That was cut short by a tragic flood in 1964. SJ was honorably discharged and returned home to carry forth the family farm. SJ also attended classes at Iowa State University for a time. He remained on the farm until late 2018 when he moved to Marion, IA to be close to his son and family as his health had declined.
SJ was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Michelle Acrea Brown and his wife Barb McCoy Acrea. SJ is survived by his Son Shayne and his wife Delcy Acrea of Marion, IA. Also survived by three Grandsons Grant and his wife Roxana Acrea of Klammath Falls, Oregon and Carter and Zakary Acrea of Marion, IA. SJ is also survived by brothers Robert and Nancy of Sacramento, CA and Dennis and Rodger of Vermillion, South Dakota. SJ is also survived by his long-time special friend, companion and sidekick Jane Lytten. They were all blessed to share in SJ’s life.
SJ was a friend to many and left a lasting impact on all who knew him. He had many lifelong friends that will miss his smile and firm handshake. SJ was a hard worker and farmer at heart. He was known to take power naps on the tractor in the field. SJ didn’t have hobbies per say. He loved being with family and friends. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada with his buddies. SJ spent some time after retirement on bicycling trips with his high school friend Dean Tamisiea. SJ cherished his friendship and years of farming with neighbor Jim Divelbess.
SJ most enjoyed his time with family, grandsons and grand dogs Kudoz, Grayson and Ruger. SJ would pet the dogs and yes even kiss their furry faces! Especially his buddy Ruger!
Visitation will be Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa. All memorials will be donated to the area food bank and Hospice in SJ’s name.
For those wishing to share in the celebration of SJ’s life but cannot be present, you are invited to view the service via the following zoom link. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81272193497?pwd=ZEZKeGNZakw0Y1VPRWJYQTlway90QT09 Meeting ID: 812 7219 3497 Password: 787893
Military Honors will be conducted by Julius F. Muller American Legion Post #337.
To view live cast: https://boxcast.tv/view/hennessey-785456
In Loving Memory of Stanley Jay (SJ) Acrea
Born August 5, 1941 Council Bluffs, Iowa
Entered Into Rest June 2, 2020 Marion, Iowa
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2020
Hennessey Funeral Home Missouri Valley, Iowa
Officiating Dennis Acrea
Delcy Acrea
Music Selections
“My Old Man” “Taps”
Final Resting Place Frazier Cemetery Missouri Valley, Iowa
11 Comments
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. SJ was a friend to many and will be remembered so kindly. He was a good man and touched the lives of many. Tommy Vandemark & girls
I remember SJ and my brother Steve Yutesler were such good friends. I had such a huge crush on him when I was a little kid! I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Sybil (Mary Yutesler) Finken
Such a friend. He would listen and just listen no judging. RIP
Great man and fun to be around. I knew him through my husband John (Steve) Yutesler.
steve) Yutesler. He will be missed by many.
S.J. Was such a nice person with an infectious smile. A few years ago, we connected on Facebook & shared what was going on in our lives. He will be surely missed..
S. I. was a very caring man and good neighbor. Mom could count on him if she needed anything. May he Rest In Peace. Our thoughts and prayers be with the whole family.
My stepfather S.J. was married to my mother, Barbara, for nearly 5 years before she passed away. The shared experience of her death brought us close. He was in our lives for 20 years and was very special to us. We enjoyed many holidays, birthdays, and cookouts with S.J. and then with Jane. My children consider him their grandfather. S.J. joined us in celebrating graduations and weddings for Emily, Eric, and Madeline (Eric’s wife). He had a fun way of kidding people that always brought a smile. We love and miss him.
I met SJ when we moved to MV in 1976. We remained in contact all these years and grew into good friends. He was always fun to be hanging out with and spoke highly of his children. In later years he spent a lot of time at my neighbors house across the street. Always a GENTLEMAN! RIP SJ.
S.J. and I met while he was at TGV’s assisted living. He had such a special gift of knowing how to connect with people. I will never forget the time he asked me to dance with him in his room. Or how he would always stack his plates in a big tower, using his napkin to tie a bow around it, then how he would sit back and enjoy watching us staff struggle to carry the tower of dishes to the sink. I remember his room always smelled like my grandpa, who was also a farmer and passed from cancer. He was always bragging about his grandsons, too, talking about how handsome they were and asking if us girls agreed. S.J.’s family was always so special to him, and I admire the strength you have all displayed throughout his time at TGV. Rest in peace, S.J.
I saw on Facebook last week that SJ had passed, but never saw anything about services until tonight in the Missori Valley paper. I am so sorry I missed being there. Our parents spent a lot of time together playing cards when we were growing up. It was always so much fun going to their home. Usually SJ was getting ready to go out (I’m sure a date). So, Denny kept my sisters and me entertained. We had a nice lunch with SJ in Beebeetown a few years ago and so enjoyed our visit. Such a nice guy! He will be greatly missed by so many! Many thoughts and prayers to the family!
I’ll never forget that SJ took my sweetheart Kate. My black lab with 3 legs. My vet told my mom my sweet Kate had to move to the country to get Stronger after her amputation. My heart was broken, but it was for the best. I remember Kate would follow SJ up and down the field. Thank you for your kindness SJ.
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