Stan D. Belieu, Sr.

Stan D. Belieu, age 92, of Sidney, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 29, 2023 in Sidney, NE. Memorial services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, November 3, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Sidney, NE with Father C.P. Varghese officiating. Cremation has been held. Services will conclude at the church. Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel Facebook page and recorded for later viewing on our website.

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Thursday from 1-6:00 P.M. to sign Stan's book. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for a later designation.

You may view Stan's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Stan's care and funeral arrangements.

Stanley (or as his grandchildren fondly called him "Papa'') was born on September 7, 1931 in Sidney, NE. He was the youngest son of Forrest and Susie Belieu. Stanley lived in numerous communities while growing up in western Nebraska and graduated from North Platte High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy for four years during the Korean War. He was very proud of his military service. After the war, Stanley used the G.I. bill to attend college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He then returned back to Sidney to join his father's business, the 7-Up Bottling Company. While in Sidney, Stanley met his wife of 65 years, Jeri Cochran. They were married on June 14, 1958 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. From this union, four children were born- Stanley Jr., Ann, Mike, and Nicky.

Papa was a salesman at heart, and loved his 7-Up route and all of the people he met during his time with the 7-Up company.  After he sold the family business, Papa worked in the shoe department at Cabela's for several years and enjoyed getting to know all of the people he interacted with.  

He had a lifelong love of music and enjoyed singing in the church choir. He also thought that Saturday night at 6:00 was always time for Lawrence Welk. Papa enjoyed a dark beer every evening at 5:00 with his family around the kitchen table. Many stories from his past and fond memories were discussed during this valued time with family and friends.  

Papa was adamant about staying active as he aged and believed it was the key to longevity. He was a regular at the Community Center and would dribble basketballs up and down the court, even into his 90's. 

He loved watching his grandkids' activities, especially sporting events. He was a fixture at Sidney High School games and was notorious for showing up early to home games to stake out his spot in the stands. He also loved rooting for the Nebraska Cornhuskers football and volleyball teams.   

Papa never met a dog he didn't like. He spent many hours dog sitting. Sitting on the front porch keeping an eye on the weather and watching people go by with his granddogs was one of his favorite pastimes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Wendell, and his sister Delores.  

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jeri, children Stan Jr, and wife Anne of Sidney, Ann Fuchs and husband Rob of Columbus, NE, Mike Belieu and wife Julie of Kearney, NE, and Nicky Radcliffe and husband Burke of Sidney. Ten grandchildren, David Belieu and wife Molly of Gretna, Sarah Robinson and husband Ray of Sidney, Katie Belieu of Omaha, Hannah Curry and husband Jared of Ponca, Ryan Fuchs of Omaha, Ericka Belieu of Kearney, Lauren Burns and husband Jake of Parker, CO, Thomas Belieu of Kearney, Brady Radcliffe and wife Madi of Layton, UT, and Natalie Radcliffe of Omaha. Four great grandchildren Jack, Madeline, Annie, and Molly.