Stanley "Stan" Morse Hunter

Stanley Morse “Stan” Hunter was born June 18, 1948 in Delta Mills, Michigan, attended Grand Ledge High School, and graduated from Alma College and Michigan State University.

Growing up on an apple orchard, he was born to be outdoors. He relished the freedom and possibility that came with sunshine, no walls, and rules that were open to creative interpretation. Stan was an avid canoeist, cross-country skier, winter camper, backpacker, birdwatcher, marathon runner, gardener, fisherman, cyclist, and adventurer who delighted in sharing his love for the outdoors with others. 

Stan took early retirement from Lifetrack Resources in 2005 after realizing that he was dealing with cognitive impairment. He chose to live the fullest life possible over the past twenty years, despite advancing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease: He rode his bike across the country, took long canoe trips, and volunteered for Randolph Heights Elementary School and for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

Stan is preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Gladys Hunter; brothers-in-law Donald Albrecht, Richard Holmes, and Howard Hedlund; sister-in-law Nancy Hunter; and parents-in-law Richard and Florence Vogt. He is survived by his spouse of 54 years, Mary (Mart) Vogt Hunter; son Ian (Sarah) Hunter; daughter Ellen (Paul) Hunter Gans; grandchildren Bronwen Hunter, Theo Hunter, Jameson Gans, and Hunter Gans; sister Judith Hedlund; brother Thomas Hunter; sisters-in-law Lois Albrecht and Linda Holmes; nephews Howdy Hedlund, Paul Hedlund, Bryce Albrecht, Terry Holmes; nieces Sherri Hedlund, Cindy Hunter Morgan, Barb Legris, Jennifer Albrecht; extended family and many great friends, especially the Winter Trip crew and their families.

Stan was well-known for a twinkle in his eye, a perpetual smile, a fantastic, cackling laugh, and a “happy puppy” attitude of constant vibrancy and positivity. He was hilarious, brilliant, endlessly kind, and we’re all better people for having known him and loved him. In his memory, we encourage you to go for a walk in the woods, read to a kid, laugh more readily, and never stop looking for adventure.

Heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Willows of Ramsey Hill and Brighton Hospice for their exceptional care of Stan. A visitation to take place from 4 – 7pm on Wednesday, October 15th at O’Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home, 575 Snelling Ave. S., St. Paul, MN 55116. No service will be held.

No flowers, please. If you wish, you may donate to any of the following in his memory: Mississippi Park Connection, The Nature Conservancy, or Human Rights Campaign.

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