Stanley William Plesko

     Stanley William Plesko, age 81, of St. Johns, formerly of Ashley, MI, passed away Friday, June 19, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home.
      Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, June 26, 2026, with Pastor Zella Daniel officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 2-8 P.M. and also on Friday morning from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.
     Stan was born in St. Johns, Michigan on September 17, 1944, the son of Steve and Katrina (Dudash) Plesko. Stan married Mary Lou Patterson on February 7, 1963, in Ithaca, MI and they were blessed with 63 years of marriage.
      Stan owned and operated Plesko Excavating for 40 years. He also spent 40 years preparing graves at Ford Cemetery. Stan was a volunteer fireman, a member of the Ashley School Board, an Elba Township Board member and drove bus for Ashley Schools for many years. Stan was a classic car enthusiast and enjoyed attending car shows with his 59 Ford Fairlane Galaxy and 60 Ford Thunderbird.
     He was a very dedicated and devoted family man. He loved polka music and dancing, treasure hunting with yearly trips to Shipshewana. He will be remembered for his willingness to help anyone in need. He will always be known as "Stan the Man". He was a member of the Bannister United Methodist Church.
     He is survived by his wife Mary Lou Plesko, his daughters: Cindy (Tom) Bernath, Jodi (Kevin) Baese, and Jamie (Curley) Grant; his grandchildren: Cayden (Shelby) Baese, Madison Baese, Grayson Grant, Piper Grant, Marcell (Sparkles) Grant, and Montez Grant; and great-grandchildren: Landen, Logan and Marcell Jr. Grant. He is also survived by his brother John (Deb) Plesko, sister-in-law Ann Plesko and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Mike (Agnes), Steve (Ann), Ed (Blanche), Milan, Tony (Greta), Helen (Bud) Mason, and Irene (Bill) Kunik, father and mother-in-law Gordon and Lucille Patterson, in-laws: Joan (Larry) Abrey and Jeannie (Phil) West.
     Memorials may be made to WOES Polka Palace. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.