Stanley Paul Caine

ADRIAN- Stanley Paul Caine died on December 29, 2025 at the age of 85 after living with Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia for the past 6 years. Stan was born on February 11, 1940 in Huron, South Dakota to L. Vernon and Elizabeth Caine. His family lived in DeSmet, South Dakota. He enjoyed his childhood with two older brothers Clifford and Alan. His life path reads as a journey through small colleges. He grew up on the Jamestown, Macalester, Illinois College campuses. He returned to Macalester for undergraduate school, earning a BA in History. After a stop at University of Wisconsin for his Ph.D., where he studied American History and published a book, The Myth of the Progressive Era, he continued his teaching career at Lindenwood Colleges and Depauw University. As a professor, he loved to engage students in discussions around the social and economic history of the early 20th century. He transitioned from teaching to administration at Hanover College serving as Vice President of Academic Affairs. He finished his career serving as the President of Adrian College for 16 years. After retiring, he served Wilmington, North Carolina Wesleyan and Centenary Colleges in continuing their missions. He was proud of his time serving as a member of numerous NCAA and North Central Accreditation committees, as well as the National Humanities Faculty, which allowed him to connect with educators across the country. Throughout his career, Stan valued connections with the people in his community. He loved to get to know students and colleagues, learning what made them tick. He kept a candy dish in his office to encourage people to stop by for a “How are things?” conversation. You could always find him sitting in the stands at sporting events hoping to catch up with students and faculty. He was proud of the physical improvements he was able to make at Adrian College, but even more, the connections to people and projects that improved the lives of others, particularly underserved communities. He believed that educated persons had an obligation to be leaders in the never-ending pursuit of a better world. In retirement, Stan remained an active part of the Adrian community. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Adrian and served on several nonprofit boards. Throughout his lifetime, he had a great love for watching and participating in sports, including his primary interests-tennis and golf. He spent many hours on the tennis courts and golf course with friends and family, as well as walking various paths in the community. The most important relationship of his life began in 1960 when he met the woman with whom he would journey through life at Macalester College. Stan and Karen (Mickelson) Caine married in 1964 in Crookston, MN. They were a formidable team, raising three children, playing winning tennis, traveling, representing colleges, and serving the community. Stan found great joy in celebrating Karen’s accomplishments as she celebrated his. He also found satisfaction in watching his children and grandchildren find their own paths through life, providing support and advice where needed. In addition to his wife, Karen, Stanley is survived by his daughter Rebecca and her three children Aaron, Joshua, and Rachel; his daughter Kathryn along with her husband Kirt and their three children Kayleigh (Sydney), Cameron and McKenna; and his son David along with his wife Britany and their two children Miles (Annalee) and Peter. He will be remembered by those who love him for his quick wit, his introspective thinking, and his love of storytelling. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, family will receive friends at 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Adrian. A memorial service will begin at 2:00 PM with Rev. Alice Ford officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions for the following organizations: Lenawee Community Foundation, Lenawee County Educational Foundation and the Adrian First United Methodist Church Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Stanley Paul Caine

February 11, 1940 - December 29, 2025