Stanlee G. Erlinger

Stanlee was one of a kind. To say he was a good man is an understatement.

He was made of kindness, patience, love, integrity, genius, service, and whatever they put in stars, sunsets, four leaf clovers, funny jokes and songs that warm your heart.

He possessed a unique quality beyond description that left those who knew him, walk a little taller and feel the warmth of his dedication and unmatched regard for others.

He was easy to know. He was easy to love. He woke up happy, treated every day as an adventure, and walked through the world with quiet genius. He was generous with his time and talents, willing to help out any time day or night.

A master craftsman, Stanlee owned and operated his construction company providing stellar carpentry and crane work in the community for many decades.

He was a building inspector for the city of Belleville and enjoyed his colleagues immensely.

Stanlee served as an active member of Northwest Fire Department for more than fifty years. He was Chief Engineer and President of Northwest Firefighters Association.

Stanlee was a Master Mason and life member of the St. Clair Lodge No. 24 in Belleville, IL.

He was a noble of the mystic Shrine and Ainad Temple for fifty years.

Stanlee was a veteran serving in the construction battalion division of the United States Navy in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1974.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John A. and Minnie (nee Henry) Erlinger; and his brother John D. “Jack” Erlinger.

Stanlee is survived by his wife, Lynn (nee Bowen), Erlinger whom he cherished for more than thirty seven years; and three beloved daughters, Ashlee Erlinger (Jason) Felmey of Belleville, IL; Chelsea (Derek) Lewis, of Belleville, IL; Andria (Brent) Oest, of Peoria, IL; infant granddaughter and twinkle in his eye, Brynlee Allyn Oest; brother Russell Erlinger of Freeburg, IL; friends Tom, Bob, Harold, Kenny, Chester, Mike, Mark, Greg and hundreds of others he considered his compadres, including his horses and dogs.

He was a great man.

He will be missed.

His legacy of love and integrity will shine on forever.

Fare thee well Stanlee, thank you for sharing your large heart with all of us.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Backstoppers and Shriners Hospital for Children. Other condolences may be offered online at the Valhalla website.

Visitation: Friends may visit from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, December 29, 2017 at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home at 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, Illinois 62223. The Fire Department will do a walk through at 7 p.m.

Funeral: Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral home at 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, Illinois 62223. Burial will follow at Valhalla Gardens of Memory.