Anita Stanek

Anita Rae (Hensley) Stanek, 75, of Madison, WI, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on October 6, 2021, from Alzheimer’s Disease and a broken heart. Her final months were filled with love, memories, tears, and laughter.

She was born on June 21, 1946, in Mauston, WI, to Fred and Vivian Hensley. She was raised in Elroy, WI, and graduated from Royall High in 1964. She married Roger E. Stanek on September 18, 1965, but after 54 years of marriage, they divorced.

Anita’s greatest joy in life was being a dedicated mom and grandma. She was thoughtful, caring, and always willing to lend a helping hand. She loved quilting, sewing, and had a special knack for all things crafty. She enjoyed cooking and oftentimes came up with her own creations. Anita loved rummage sales and shopping to add to her many collections. In her later years, she loved spending her winters in warm climates, her favorite being Arizona.

Anita is survived by: daughters Debbie (Dan) Van Handel and Brenda Stanek (special friend Martin Veitch), her ex-husband Roger Stanek, grandchildren Eric Van Handel (special friend Emma Kuhn), Lauren Van Handel (Tim Lynaugh), Alexander Stanek, and McKenzie Stanek, her brothers Larry (Eileen) Hensley and Garry Hensley, niece and nephews Tara Hensley (Clark Rowles), Todd, Nolan, and Lucas Hensley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Vivian, her son Christopher, her grandson Parker, and her nephews Larry Troy and Curtis.

Per Anita’s wishes, no funeral services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Anita’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Prairie Home Assisted Living (House of Joy) and to Compassus Hospice.