Robert Anthony “Bob” Stodola, 90, of West Bend died Tuesday, August 23, at The Kathy Hospice in West Bend.
He was born on June 11, 1926, in Haugen, Wisconsin, to the late Joseph and Mary Stodola and grew up on the family farm.
The family will greet relatives and friends at the Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend on Friday, August 26, 2016, from 6-8:00 p.m. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Bob’s life will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church, West Bend, WI. The family will greet visitors preceding the mass, from 9:00 a.m. until the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Bob can be made to: Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners, Nelson Hall Room 129, 1209 Fremont Street, Stevens Point WI 54481, or the Ice Age Trail Alliance, PO Box 128, Cross Plains WI 53528.
He married Ione Semerad in 1951. Together they raised four children: Richard (Kathy Bales), Jane (Jim) Francis, David (Michelle Medeiros), and Amy Stodola (Jeff Johannessen) all surviving. Bob has three grandchildren—Nathan (Rachael Fauss), Luke, and Claire Stodola—and one greatgrandchild Lillian. Ione preceded him in death on April 3, 1996. In 2003 he married Mary Steinhart (nee Baldus, formerly Dobrient) who survives him, along with her sons Thomas (Sandra), Michael (Andrea Dlugos), Robert (Lacey), and Judge (Lisa) Dobrient, nine grandchildren, and one greatgrandchild.
Also surviving are Bob’s siblings: Veronica Saeman, Loretta Grilley, and Paul (Marilyn) Stodola. Four siblings have preceded him in death: Marie Jilek, Joseph Stodola, Agnes Vanek, and Dorothy Stodola.
After high school, he joined the army and served in post-war Germany for two years. He earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. In 1965, he earned a master’s degree in Youth Development.
As Washington County’s 4-H and Youth Development Educator for 34 years, he worked with both club leaders and members, overseeing programs and county fairs, and introducing innovations in 4-H practice.
He was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church for over 60 years.
Bob was grateful for a very healthy and active life for 89 years. Leader, organizer, educator, and loyal worker describe Bob’s volunteerism with Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners, Lac Lawrann Nature Conservancy, the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Kiwanis, and other community organizations.
One of the joys of his life was spending time with his family. He also enjoyed cross-country skiing, sailing, skate-sailing, woodworking and lathe work, hiking, and playing croquet through his eighties. He relished a spirited political discussion and a challenging word game.
His family remembers his ready smile, his love of puns and jokes, his patient manner, and his helpfulness.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. Online guestbook and condolences are available at www.schmidtfuneralhome.com