Perry, Iowa - Stanley Ray McElderry, 63, was born in Ottumwa and passed away in Des Moines, Iowa after a long illness.

Stan graduated from Moravia High School in 1980 and went on to earn degrees in History from Graceland University and Law from the University of Iowa. He held multiple positions throughout his law career, culminating as Deputy Workers' Compensation Commissioner for the State of Iowa. He retired in 2017. A proud union member, Stan was active in the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and was a chief negotiator when it came to labor contracts.

Stan was known for hunting, gardening, and cooking skills. His keen memory and wide-ranging knowledge of seemingly everything made him a hard man to beat at Trivial Pursuit.

Stan is survived by his wife of 41 years, Laura Beth Adkins McElderry; two daughters, Megan Leigh Casebolt (Kenneth James Casebolt) and Erin Meade McElderry; two grandsons, Caleb James Casebolt and Kian Patrick Casebolt; and three brothers, Bradley Irelan, Kenneth Lee, and Ralph Leslie. Stan was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Irelan McElderry, his mother, Violet Joyce Hopkins McElderry Grosvenor, and his son, Sean Patrick McElderry.

A celebration of Stan's life will take place on Friday, December 19th from 12PM-3PMat the Perry Elks Lodge #407 in Perry, Iowa. Lunch will be served. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate your donation in Stan's name to Pheasants Forever or to your local Food Bank.