Stanley M. Aldinger

Obituary of Stanley M. Aldinger
Stanley Merle Aldinger
November 21, 1928 – October 24, 2025
Stanley Merle Aldinger, 96, of Iowa City, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born November 21, 1928, in Rowan, Iowa, Stan was the son of Florence and Fred Aldinger.
A gifted student, Stan graduated as valedictorian from Rowan High School in 1946. He spent his post-high school years helping on the family farm and studying at Iowa State and earning his B.S. degree. He served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He went on to earn a Master of Science in 1954 and later a Doctorate in Animal Nutrition from Iowa State University, with minors in bacteriology, biochemistry, and physiology. His academic dedication reflected a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and excellence. He also taught vocational agriculture for a few years in Toledo, Iowa.
He married the love of his life, Marjorie, on June 29, 1958 and together they celebrated 68 years of marriage.
Stan spent his entire professional career, starting in 1959 at Yoder Feeds, Kalona, in animal nutrition eventually serving as Vice-President and President until his retirement in 1994.
Stan's life was filled with fun adventures. Family vacations held a special place in his heart, from the annual ski trips to Colorado, to many camping and boating weekends at the reservoir. Every summer brought a new journey to the Animal Nutrition meeting destinations – typically in the Midwest which became cherished traditions. Road trips were especially lively with his four kids and Marge by his side, making every vacation more memorable. Later the annual vacations to destinations like St. Croix, Destin, Grand Lake included not only his kids and Marge, but also the fun was shared and included his 7 grandchildren.
Stan and Marge also enjoyed travelling which included a trip to Mexico, a trip to Ireland, England and Scotland with the highlight for Stan being to play the St. Andrews golf course, Alaska and several cruises.
Stan's passion for service was evident in his involvement with his community. He served on the Iowa City School Board from 1978 to 1983, including a term as president from 1980 to 1981. In 1978, he was also appointed to the Mayor's Youth Employment Board. He was a long-time member of Optimists, leader of Boy Scouts Troop and he often accompanied church youth groups on service trips.
A man of strong faith, Stan was a charter member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church, where he found community, fellowship and especially enjoyed the traditions like the chicken barbeque, hot chocolate and cookies after church, and the relationships with other members many of whom were also life-long friends.
A true sports enthusiast, Stan embraced physical activity (and was a true competitor) throughout his life. He enjoyed golf-highlighted by two hole-in-one's in 2000 and 2011 - as well as racquetball, tennis, bicycling, and track and field. He competed in the Iowa Senior Games and won 10 gold and 9 silver medals one year (2011) and 16 medals another year (2008). He also held multiple Iowa Senior Games records, including the all-time high jump record. And he said his motivation was to set an example for his 7 grandchildren. His energy, discipline, and love for competition inspired those around him.
Stan never knew a stranger and could talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime. His dry sense of humor and bad jokes had a way of drawing people in and then in the next moment you were laughing like long-time friends.
His family was very special to him. He enjoyed playing a good game of hearts with the grandkids, challenging them to foot races, and encouraged them to learn and enjoy life-long sports.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Corinne Campbell; and his infant daughter, Beth.
Stan is survived by his wife Marjorie, children: Lori Aldinger (Jim Ohse), and their children Robert (Miranda) Ohse and Molly Ohse; Jim (Anna Sobaski) Aldinger; Becky Aldinger (Mitch Rorabaugh), and their children Kenzie and Allie Rorabaugh, and great-grandchildren Gianna and Kaison; and Patti (Gary) Umble, and their children Luke, Zack, and Jake Umble; sister Marian Shultz, and many nieces and nephews.
Stan's life was a testament to integrity, fiscal responsibility (or some would say quite cheap), and of course, humor and laughter. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
A special thanks to Jim Aldinger as he was his primary care giver during the last few years. We are forever grateful for all he did to provide him with love and care.
Funeral services will be held at 11 am Friday, October 31, 2025, at St. Marks United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Thursday at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. Burial will take place at Memory Gardens Cemetery all in Iowa City.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Stan's memory may be made to Iowa City Hospice, Bird House Hospice Home or St. Marks United Methodist Church.