Robert Joseph “Bob” Stambek
April 24th, 1933 - April 1st, 2022
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Bob's Obituary
Robert “Bob” Joseph Stambek passed away on April 1, 2022. He was born on April 24, 1933 in Decatur, Michigan to Michael and Mary Stambek. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1952 and went on to enter the ROTC program through Western Michigan University. Immediately following high school, Bob was stationed in both France and Germany where he served his country with the United States Army before returning home to complete his college degree and play football for the Western Michigan University Broncos. Bob received a degree from the College of Education in 1960 with a major in Agricultural Education and a minor in Physical Education. He then went on in 1960 to pursue a career in education at Coloma Community Schools where he taught classes in the field of agriculture and coached both Varsity football and Junior Varsity basketball. On August 1, 1953, he married the love of his life Emma Jean Ramey at Holy Family Church in Decatur. Their marriage produced two sons, Stephen and Joel.
Bob was an active member in his community and church. He was a member of the Men's Group at Holy Family Church, Decatur Optimist Club and actively supported both Decatur Human Services and the Veterans of Foreign Wars with his wife, Emma Jean. After Bob’s teaching career ended and before officially retiring, he continued to work at Community Mills in Decatur, Elkhart Park Estates Mobile Home Factory and Lyon Industries in Dowagiac and then Paramount Plastics in Elkhart.
On any given day, you could find Bob in his garden. He was passionate about growing and caring for his vegetables, along with sharing his harvest with others. Gardening brought Bob joy and the opportunity to teach his grandchildren how to plant, care for, and produce vegetables that they could then pick together and sell at local Farmers Markets. Bob’s other hobbies were watching sporting events and fishing, which led him on many adventures with his sons, grandchildren and friends to the Upper Peninsula. If you were lucky enough to be invited you have memories, jokes and stories that will last a lifetime.
Bob is survived by his sons Stephen (Laura) Stambek of Marcellus and Joel (Suzie) Stambek of Decatur; his grandchildren Stephanie (Justun) Munn and Emily Stambek of Kalamazoo, T.J. Stambek of Columbus, Ohio, Matthew Stambek of Decatur and a great-grandson Auggie Munn. Also, his two brothers Tom (Donna) Stambeck and Edward (Evelyn) Stambek of Decatur and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Emma Jean Stambek, his parents, brother Raymond Stambek, sister Dorothy Reznik and grandson Nicholas Stambek.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 12:00PM at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur with The Very Rev. Robert Creagan officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00AM until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be given to Decatur Human Services or the charity of the donor's choice. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.newelchapel.com.
Bob was an active member in his community and church. He was a member of the Men's Group at Holy Family Church, Decatur Optimist Club and actively supported both Decatur Human Services and the Veterans of Foreign Wars with his wife, Emma Jean. After Bob’s teaching career ended and before officially retiring, he continued to work at Community Mills in Decatur, Elkhart Park Estates Mobile Home Factory and Lyon Industries in Dowagiac and then Paramount Plastics in Elkhart.
On any given day, you could find Bob in his garden. He was passionate about growing and caring for his vegetables, along with sharing his harvest with others. Gardening brought Bob joy and the opportunity to teach his grandchildren how to plant, care for, and produce vegetables that they could then pick together and sell at local Farmers Markets. Bob’s other hobbies were watching sporting events and fishing, which led him on many adventures with his sons, grandchildren and friends to the Upper Peninsula. If you were lucky enough to be invited you have memories, jokes and stories that will last a lifetime.
Bob is survived by his sons Stephen (Laura) Stambek of Marcellus and Joel (Suzie) Stambek of Decatur; his grandchildren Stephanie (Justun) Munn and Emily Stambek of Kalamazoo, T.J. Stambek of Columbus, Ohio, Matthew Stambek of Decatur and a great-grandson Auggie Munn. Also, his two brothers Tom (Donna) Stambeck and Edward (Evelyn) Stambek of Decatur and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Emma Jean Stambek, his parents, brother Raymond Stambek, sister Dorothy Reznik and grandson Nicholas Stambek.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 12:00PM at Newell Chapel, 83313 M-51, Decatur with The Very Rev. Robert Creagan officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00AM until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be given to Decatur Human Services or the charity of the donor's choice. Those wishing to leave an online condolence for the family may do so at www.newelchapel.com.
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.