Roger Gerald Stano

The world said a sad goodbye to Roger Gerald Stano of Boise, Idaho, on March 24, 2024. Roger was a loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle, as well as an outstanding colleague and friend to many in the field of medical physics. Although his life of 80 years seems short to those he leaves behind, his impact was profound, with significant contributions to the scientific world and a legacy of love and faith for all who knew him.

Born June 2,1943 in Minneapolis, MN to Gerald “Bud” Martin Stano and Lucille Marie (LaVigne) Stano, Roger was the eldest of six children - three boys and three girls. As a child Roger contributed to an ever enlarging household. He was always busy creating and crafting toys for his younger brothers made of wood and working parts, some may say the forerunner to the Tonka Toy trucks. Roger’s love of the great outdoors was passed down by Bud. Roger would accompany Bud on fishing and hunting trips as a youngster throughout Minnesota. Bud had a family to feed and would always return to the home with a full stringer, something that Roger carried on throughout his many awesome fishing trips to Deadwood and Cordova.

Roger attended North High School in Minneapolis, graduating in 1961. Roger was a whiz at math and he began forming his foundation for his life study in the field of physics. He attended the University of Minnesota, receiving an Associate’s Degree. After, Roger enlisted in the United States Airforce. He was assigned to the strategic air command at Glasgow Air Force Base near Glasgow, Montana. He was then assigned to K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base near Marquette, Michigan. While serving, Roger achieved the rank of Sargeant for his work on the F-101 interceptors. After completing his military service, Roger attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree. Roger loved science and continued his education at The University of Wisconsin in Madison being granted a Master’s Degree in the emerging field of medical physics.

Roger met his first wife, Carolyn Jean Burton (Smith), while attending school. They were married in Michigan in 1971. Roger and Carolyn moved to Marshfield, WI where they had their first child, Melissa Marie Stano (Bonney) in 1975. In 1976, Mountain States Tumor Institute in Boise came calling for Roger to start the collaboration of medical physics with the oncologists on staff, to offer cutting edge cancer treatments for the residents of Idaho. Roger and Carolyn had their second child, Robert John Stano in 1978. In Idaho, Roger pursued scientific research and formed many deep friendships as he found a sense of community in the world of cancer treatment.  He contributed much to improve the lives of many in the Intermountain West, working both at MSTI (St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center) and through his business, Treasure Valley Medical Physics.

Roger loved his family, his work and the outdoors. He was always busy and completing projects. When Roger built his forever Boise home, he was integral in its design and construction. Roger loved constructing anything. Later, in life he would build his own furniture and various projects for his grandchildren. In the late 1980s, Roger took his mom, Lucille, and his children on a trip to Hawaii. This was the trip of a lifetime for them and was the topic of many memories and conversations. Roger took his kids camping and fishing often, taking Bob ice fishing in winters.  He, with friends, would set up hunting camp each fall.  

Roger met Deana Marie Jensen while working at MSTI. They married in 1993. It was in Deana, that Roger found his hunting and fishing companion. Roger and Deana set up “hunting camp” in Cuprum, Idaho. While continuing his daily work, Roger undertook a massive remodel of his hunting camp, adding on to the cabin and renovating much of the structure. Roger could do it all: design, plumbing, electrical, wood working, tile, cabinets, you name it. Roger spent a great deal of his life in the mountains. Whether it was gathering firewood (it always had to be the biggest tree), tracking elk, or showing his grandchildren new things, he was happy there. He shared his love of the mountains with his brothers and sisters, as well as his children and grandchildren.

Roger and Deana took their dream big game hunting trip to Zimbabwe in 1999. They stayed with locals who used every part of the animals, and they brought home prized trophies which were displayed in their home. Another adventure began and many valued friendships formed when Roger headed north to Cordova, Alaska to seek the prized Copper River salmon and halibut that inhabit Prince William Sound. Here he found a home and again undertook a renovation to erect “fish camp.” Roger and Deana navigated the Alaskan Highway and took an extended vacation down an Alaskan river. There was even a dog sledding adventure tossed in. Roger expanded his work through TVMP to also service areas in Alaska. Roger caught many prized salmon on the Eyak River in Cordova. Eventually, his children and grandchildren made their way to Cordova to experience their own thrill of wrestling salmon and halibut.

The world will not be the same without Roger Stano, but the world is a better place for having had him in it. Roger was preceded in death by his wife Deana and his sister Sharon Elaine Hess. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Bonney, her husband Shaun and their children Adrianna and Liam; his son Robert “Bob” Stano and Bob’s children Claire and Robert “Gio”; and his siblings Jean Marie Gaynor, Janet Mary Heywood, Charles (Deb) Edward Stano and Dr. William Scott (Yalda) Stano, and many other beloved extended family members.  

A service for Roger will be held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church (Boise) on Friday, April 26th at 11 AM, then a brief memorial service for both Roger and Deana (who passed away in January) will be conducted at the Veterans Cemetery at 3 PM, followed by a celebration gathering at Melissa’s home.


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