Stanley D. "Stan" Bahrns (80) of Effingham

Stanley Dean Bahrns, 80, of Effingham, IL passed away at 1:47 am Wednesday, September 22, 2021, at Carle Hospital, Urbana, IL.

There will be private services for Stanley at St. John's Lutheran Church in Effingham, IL on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, with burial in Oakridge Cemetery in Effingham. Memorial donations may be given to St. John's Lutheran Church in Effingham.

Stan was born on December 8, 1940, to Marvin and Clara (Becker) Bahrns. He married Alyene McGuire in October of 1968; she survives him. He is also survived by three children, Brent and Blake (Laura) Bahrns, and Kristen (Jeff) Pryor; grandchildren, Evan and Kylie Pryor and Colton Bahrns, all of Effingham. He was also looking forward to another grandson that is due later this year. Stan is also survived by a brother, Howard “Butch” (Marty) Bahrns of Effingham, and sister-in-law Alicia Engel and Charlotte McGuire, brother-In-Law Teed (Jerri) McGuire.

Stan was the founder and President of Bahrns Equipment Inc. Stan grew up on a small farm south of Altamont, IL. As kids, he and his brother found passion in building and fixing things around the farm. After high school, he followed that passion working on cars, trucks, and equipment for Randal Motors in Beecher City and later for Althoff’s Garage. He was enlisted in the army and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. As a child, he always wanted to learn how to fly. So after the war, he finished his pilot license. He started flying charter, selling airplanes, and helping the aviation community. Virgil Althoff, of Althoff’s Garage, always admired Stan and his work ethic while he was working for him. So he approached Stan with the offer to take over his business. He started Bahrns Garage in 1966. His main priority was customer satisfaction. Stan always made sure his employees understood customer service was what helped him build the business that sells, services, and rents equipment. In 1998, he was proud to open a branch location in the Champaign, IL area.

Stan was a true aviator. He built an RV12 and an RV7, both of which he enjoyed flying. He was proud to help with the Young Eagles program where he helped teach the love of flying to a countless number of kids. He was a member of  St. John's Lutheran Church, the Effingham County Airport Board, Lake Sara Water Board, a member of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce for many years as well as a member of the VFW.

Stan was a friend to so many, he was a mentor to all that ever worked for him and treated his employees like family.  Stan touched the lives of all that ever had the chance to meet him, and he didn’t know a stranger. He always made time, even when he was in a hurry. Stan was a beloved member of the Wednesday Smart Club where his wisdom will be missed by some friends who were very dear to him. Stan was a self-taught “engineer”, who could build just about anything. He loved his family tremendously and was proud of all of them as well as the business he built.

Stan was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Clara (Becker) Bahrns, Mother-In-Law and Father-in-Law, Bert and Addie McGuire, Brothers-In-Law Larry Engel, and John McGuire.