Stanley Dean Farlin

Stanley Dean Farlin was born in Carns, NE to Virgil Farlin and Augusta (Otto) Farlin on September 16, 1935, and was one of nine children growing up on the family’s farm. Stan grew up in the Burton and Springview area, where he started working at an early age for area ranchers in the hay fields as a means to help support his large family. As a young man, Stan started working for John and Miriam Mithofer, who became a second family and who remained devoted to Stan for the rest of their lives. A dedicated student at Keya Paha County High School, Stan was a state-qualifying athlete in track, attended Cornhusker Boys’ State and graduated with the Class of 1953. On August 29, 1954, Stanley married Lois Jane Larsen and embarked on a 68-year adventure with the love of his life that took the couple to homes in seven different states before settling them in Scottsdale, AZ, where they lived for over 30 years. Five children were fortunate enough to be able to call Stanley “Dad” including Lesa Jane, Julie Lee, Meg Eloise, Eric Dean, and Mark Stanley.

As a newlywed, Stan worked four years as a postal clerk and for area ranchers to save for college. In 1957, Stan and Lois moved to Lincoln, NE where Stan realized his dream of attending the University of Nebraska (UNL). Stan earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture in 1961 before going on to attain a Master of Science degree in Animal Nutrition from Colorado State University in 1963, and a PhD degree in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Illinois in 1967. Stan found his niche as a research scientist and after first completing a post-doctorate program at the University of Idaho, took a position at the USDA Meat Animal Research Center in Clay Center. Stan returned to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1972 as a professor and researcher in ruminant nutrition. As a professor, Stan oversaw many international students and was not only an effective advisor enabling his students to be successful in their graduate programs, but also had an indelible impact on their lives as a wise and kind mentor. While at UNL, Stan was instrumental in developing international exchange programs for the UNL Animal Science department that included his traveling to Romania as part of an agriculture scientist exchange and hosting students interning at UNL as part of the Japanese Agricultural Training Program. In 1981, Stan transitioned to extension and worked several years for New Mexico State University and Kansas State University extension departments, eventually becoming the Maricopa County Extension Director for the University of Arizona in 1993. A respected administrator, Stan facilitated the development of youth leadership and Master Gardener programs for the fourth largest county in the nation. Most notably, Stan was recognized for his outstanding support of the Maricopa County food and nutrition education program for families with limited financial resources. After retiring from the University of Arizona in 2006, Stan could be found supporting his wife, Lois, in a number of urban farming endeavors and especially as her faithful and loyal partner in cultivating the award-winning Hidden Hills Elementary School Garden Science Club.

Known as a man of honor, Stan was well-liked and respected by friends, colleagues, relatives, and neighbors. Being humble, Stan preferred to work behind the scenes but made a profound difference in every life he touched whether personally or through the programs he encouraged. Always good natured and congenial, Stan lived out his Christian faith daily and was devoted to his wife and family. Many fond memories were made on the Farlin Family Farm while driving the tractor, raising livestock, building fence, milking cows, riding horses, ice skating, fishing, boating, cutting Christmas trees, picking plums, and one of Stan’s favorite activities, watching UNL Cornhusker football. Stan was deeply involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren, and rarely missed an opportunity to be present at family happenings and events, no matter the miles driven cross-country to attend in person. Stanley will be remembered by all as a hard-working, selfless husband, loving father and favorite uncle whose integrity and actions spoke far louder than any words.

Stanley Dean Farlin was called home by his Lord and Savior on February 18, 2025, at 89 years of age. Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Lesa Williams of Lincoln, NE, Julie (Jesus) Barncastle of Scottsdale, AZ, Meg (Scott) Anema of Phoenix, AZ, and Mark (Stephanie) Farlin of Tucson, AZ; his brothers Ivan Farlin of Springview, NE, and Donald Farlin of Minden, NE; his sisters Veda (Mike) Chase of Crofton, NE, and Annita (Bret) Benedict of Great Falls, MT; many nieces and nephews, 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Farlin and Augusta (Otto) Farlin, stepmother, Ollie Farlin, brothers Byron Mentzer, Bud Mentzer, Darrel Farlin and Leslie Farlin; sisters Ruth Spink, Vivian Wood and Joanne McLaughlin; his beloved wife, Lois (Larsen) Farlin, and dear son, Eric Dean Farlin.

A Celebration of Life honoring Stanley Farlin will be held July 16, 2025, in Nebraska. Memorials may be made to the Maricopa County Fair 4-H Scholarship Fund. For more information about the service or to share memories, please email [email protected].