Obituary of Joan B. Stangl

Joan B. Stangl, 89, a longtime resident of State College, passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Embassy of Huntingdon Park.

Joan was born the daughter of William and Helen Fagan Boland in Manasquan, New Jersey and had four loving siblings Ed, Bill, Barb, and Lois.  Joan married Frederick Paul Stangl, who preceded her in death in 1988. She is survived by her four children, Fred Stangl and his wife Bonnie of Lewes, DE, Brian Stangl and his wife Terry of Lewistown, PA, Kevin Stangl and his wife Barb of Cambridge, MD, and Janine and her husband Ken Coffin of Red Lodge, MT. She is also beloved by her five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Joan lived a full and exciting life while they pursued her husband’s military career. This included four wonderful years in Paris, France where Fred was assigned to the American Embassy. In 1965, after Fred retired from the Army, the family moved to State College where Joan was an active member of the community for over 40 years including Our Lady of Victory church where she sang in the choir and was active with Saint Vincent De Paul’s. She also worked as the OLV School chef where she made the children smile with her creative “tuna canoes”.    

Her love of cooking and entertaining led her to attend Penn State University and earn a Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management where she then acquired a position as a catering manager for the Nittany Lion Inn. This was followed by running a Bed and Breakfast from her home where she took great pleasure in feeding and visiting with friends and family.  

After the loss of her husband, she drove her cherished Cadillac across the country to Yellowstone National Park. For seven summers she worked at Fishing Bridge and entertained the tourists with her wit, made loads of new friends, and traveled with her daughter to numerous National Parks.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 12:00 – 12:30 pm at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College, PA.

A funeral will follow at 12:30 pm with Deacon David Lapinski officiating.

Burial will be in Mooresville Cemetery in Petersburg

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit them on Facebook.