Harold William Stanfield, 92, of Brookfield, WI, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, May 23, 2018.

He was born December 29, 1925 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Harold Walser and Amanda Bertha (Hoffmann) Stanfield.

Harold grew up in Milwaukee, graduating from Shorewood High School in 1944. He attended Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, later graduating from Marquette College of Engineering with a BS in Electrical Engineering. With an entry level position at Strobo Research secured, he married Dolores Graff in 1949. The couple relocated to Dallas for Harold’s next position in the laboratory of GeoPhysical Services, developing seismometers and wave filters used in both petroleum prospecting and military applications. Filling a position at Square D Company in Milwaukee assembling mechanical prototypes for automotive industry products, Harold continued more focused work on electronic devices that led him to develop control center innovations which obtained four design patents for the company.   Achieving the position of Corporate Staff Engineer at Square D, Harold retired after 43 years with the company.

Performing music at a young age, Harold played trumpet, piano and organ at Emanuel Evangelical Church, later studying piano at the Wisconsin College Conservatory of Music.   Private instruction and practice on Fox Point Lutheran’s pipe organ led to a lifelong dedication to playing the organ at his Methodist Church, and eventually Elmbrook Church. More recently, Harold faithfully played the grand piano at the Milwaukee Rescue Mission chapel, serving their guests with Paulette and other ministry partners. Memorable family vacations included taking the VW camper to the World’s Fair, Florida and western states, as well as SAAGBRAW bicycle rides across Wisconsin. Harold, a lifelong learner, took a Coast Guard Auxiliary class in navigation, then attended the Annapolis Sailing School, quickly deciding to own a sloop for family outings. Skilled enough to semi-professionally crew, Harold and daughter Debra delivered sailing yachts to Caribbean destinations together. Harold and brother Bob, enjoyed early employment parking cars at Schuster’s, this fueled his lifelong interest in cars, the Chicago Car Show and developed his love of driving.   He was always the family chauffeur for their activities and practices, and loved being a dad. He was a member of the Milwaukee Minis, participated in a ‘Mini Takes the States’ cross-county event, and was regularly seen behind the wheel of his own mini. Always interested in how things work, his frequent drives and plant tours satisfied his curiosity until tomorrow; when there was always someplace new to see. He was known to encourage family and friends to trust in the Lord and love always. He knew and modeled how love stays.

Harold leaves his devoted wife of 6 years, Paulette; a son, Grant of Green Lake, WI; a daughter Paula (Scott) Koss of Delafield, WI; son-in-law Rob Moore of Kapolei, HI; brothers, Robert ( Betty) Stanfield of West Bend, WI, and James Stanfield, Mechanicsburg, PA; four intelligent and talented grandchildren: Elizabeth, James Patrick, Harrison and Everett; nieces, nephews, many other relatives, Faithwalkers and friends. 

He was preceded in death by wife, Dolores Velma (Graff) Stanfield, and their daughters; Patricia Lynn Stanfield and Debra Lynn Stanfield Moore.

Visitation will take place at 10 am until the time of service at 11am on Thursday June 7, 2018 at Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 6031 West Chapel Hill Road, Mequon, WI. Rev. Patrick H. Vanderburgh and Rev. D. Stuart Briscoe will be officiating.

In accordance with Harold’s wishes, a private burial service will be held for immediate family.

Donations can be made in Harold’s memory to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission, 830 N. 19th St., Milwaukee, WI 53233.