Stanley Allen Mandler

1930 - 2024

Stanley Allen Mandler, LtCol USAF (Ret)

July 18, 1930 - August 18, 2024

Stanley A. Mandler, age 94, was often referred to as "Stan the Man" by his many friends and loved ones. He was a kind, loving and honest man. He was most happy when everyone around him was happy.

Stan was born to parents, Emil Mandler and Sophie Spitzer in Pittsburgh, PA, on July 18, 1930, and passed away August 18, 2024, in Bellevue, NE, one month after celebrating his 94th birthday at his favorite restaurants, the Red Lobster, Omaha and again at Stella's in Bellevue.

He retired from the United States Air Force after serving 24 and a half years in December 1973. He was awarded The Bronze Star in 1968 for "distinguishing himself by meritorious service while engaged in military operations involving operations conflict with an opposing foreign force as Chief, Target Intelligence Branch, Deputy Commander for Operation, 4258th Strategic Wing, U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand, from 12 July 1967 to 10 July 1968." He was an Intelligence applications Officer at Offutt AFB and a navigator on an air transport plane.

A loving family man, after his first wife, Carolyn Sherer Kirkland, died leaving him with one son, Stephen, he married Sue, and welcomed her children, Sarah and Peter Olson, in 1979 to the family. Over the 45 years of their marriage, he often did a lot of the cooking along with his mother-in-law, Alice Pospeschil, in order for Sue to continue doing her art work. Together the three of them worked hand-in-hand with the packaging and selling of two sets of Landmark Notecards and prints all over Nebraska.

After retirement from the Air Force, Stan attended Bellevue University for three and three-quarter years and also did volunteer work helping folks prepare their yearly taxes at the Bellevue Library. In later years he enjoyed being picked up in a stretch limo to be taken to Hillcrest's daily activities, and many excursions in Eastern Nebraska by his daytime caregiver, Nelson Guevera.

Thank you to the Home Instead evening caregivers, Kim Cobelens, Nelson, the VA with equipment and all who helped manage to keep Stan at home. His family is grateful for the love, support, and friendships Stan was able to maintain throughout his life.

Stan is survived by his wife, Sue Olson Mandler; son, Dr. Stephen R. Mandler (Chelsea); stepdaughter, Sarah K. Olson; stepson, Dr. Peter Olson (Fiona Allen); grandchildren Corey Mandler, Heidi Huff (Jeremy), Holly Eidsath, Matilda and Olivia Olson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Sophie; brother, Emery; sisters, Phyllis Kholos and Roslyn; and first wife, Carolyn.

He will be buried October 18, 2024, at the Omaha National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to B'nai Israel Synagogue, 618 Mynster Street, Council Bluffs, IA, 51503-0766.

Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel

Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler,

2202 Hancock St., Bellevue

402-291-5000 | www.bellevuefuneralchapel.com