Michael “Mike” L. Stanton

COBB – Michael “Mike” L. Stanton, age 75, passed away peacefully on Thursday September 4, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on June 5, 1950, the son of Walter and Gladys (Leyh) Stanton. He married the love of his life, Diane Hoeper, at St. Peter’s Church in Elk Grove Township on August 24, 1968. They shared 54 wonderful years together before her passing in 2022.

Mike graduated from Iowa-Grant High School in 1968 and settled in Cobb where he and Diane raised their family. A lifelong racing enthusiast, Mike spent many of his younger years at the racetrack with his dad and later as the crew chief for his son in-law, Ryan, for 10 years. He was a dedicated member of the crew, putting in countless hours on and off the track to make sure the cars were safe and ready to race.

Mike’s love for cars extended well beyond the racetrack. He spent many hours in the garage fixing up and restoring vehicles, with his pride and joy being a 1974 Camaro that he rebuilt from the ground up. Mike was known for his custom touches, whether it was flames or pinstripes, or other creative details, he always left his mark. He also enjoyed snowmobiles and motorcycles, and even when his illness kept him from working with his hands, he was never far away from a project ready to supervise, and share his opinion, whether you asked for it or not.

A man of integrity, Mike never shied away from hard work. He was a true jack of all trades who could fix anything. He took pride in the work he did and enjoyed remodeling his house and meticulously maintaining his yard and garden. Hardworking and straightforward, he was known for his honesty and for speaking exactly what was on his mind without a filter.

While Mike found joy in racing, cars, and projects, nothing compared to the love he had for his family. His greatest pride was being a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His happiest moments were those spent with his wife, Diane – his Angel, traveling together making time to see all the sights on their way to spend time with their family in Arizona.

Mike is survived by his eight children: Trisha Stanton, Paula Stanton-Aultman, Rick (Carey) Stanton, Erik (Jennifer) Stanton, Nichole (Ryan) Federman, Holly (Eric) Schmitz, Jeremy (Kellie) Stanton,  and Josh (Elsa) Stanton; 16 grandchildren: Tristan, Trevor, Andrea, Jessica, Torey, Noah, Cecilia, Emma, Gage, Jalen, Payton, Ashton, Griffin, Hayden, Brooklyn, and Carli; and eight great grandchildren: Kiersten, Ciara, Aubree, Chloe, Jaxon, Blazden, Lorelai, and Layla. He is further survived by his siblings, Kathy (Gerald) Clifford and Robert “Bob” Stanton; sister in-law, Sue Hoeper; brother in-law, Dick (Barb) Hoeper; and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Gladys Stanton; mother and father in-law Clarence and Cecilia Hoeper; wife, Diane; and his beloved grandson, Ethan.

In lieu of plants and flowers, donations will be used to support Upland Hills Hospice Care, Shriners Children Hospital, and Ben's Hope.