Robert Stafford, Sr.

When looking back on the life of Robert Stafford Sr., it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. His solid work ethic formed the foundation of all that he did. Nothing brought Bob greater joy than spending time with his loved ones, no matter how rowdy or quiet the moments. His primary focus in life was making sure that his family was cared for and their needs were met. Deeply loved, Bob will be forever held close in the hearts and minds of those who knew him best.

The 1940s are remembered as years of great turmoil for the United States and the rest of the world as WWII raged on. Tensions were high, and America watched as the fighting grew more and more widespread. It was during this time that Harold Stanley and Irene Mable (Bush) Stafford of Plainwell, Michigan, were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the newest addition to their family. On May 23, 1940, their wait was finally over, and they welcomed their son, Robert, into the world.

Throughout his childhood, Bob was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the small town of Vicksburg and learned his strong work ethic by working on a local farm after school. He had three older siblings, Harold Jr., Barb, and Betty. Bob’s father worked in a paper mill. His mother worked there as well, before dedicating herself to raising her children. Bob learned to work hard and play hard from a young age. He developed a sharp sense of humor, and he loved playing practical jokes and making people laugh.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Bob when he met the woman who would soon become the love of his life. Her name was Sheila Wetzler, and the two first met at the Rollerdome roller rink. There was an instant spark between them. Bob picked Sheila up for their first date in his 1949 Chevy, and they went to Schwartz’s Drive-In to enjoy their time together. Over the next year of dating, their relationship continued to blossom, and the rest was history. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Bob and Sheila were married on December 20, 1958.

All who knew Bob can certainly agree that, of all the things he loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He and Sheila were overjoyed to welcome their three children, Robert, Randy, and Rusty, into their hearts and home. Bob went above and beyond to provide for those who depended on him, sometimes working two and three jobs at a time. He worked long hours including overnight trips as a truck driver, making sure his family was cared for. Bob instilled in his children the importance of a strong work ethic. In 1965, the Stafford family moved into their forever home on 2nd Street, which Bob built himself. As his children grew up and got married, Bob loved his daughters-in-law as if they were his own children.

Later in life, Bob was thrilled to become a grandfather and a great-grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could. Bob attended many sporting events and school activities, something that he missed with his own children because of the demands of work. He took up wood working in his 40’s and he loved making rocking horses, doll furniture, and later tin men representing a variety of sports teams and schools. Bob poured his heart and soul into everything that he made. He paid great attention to detail and took great pride in making the gifts perfect. Bob always considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

After they had raised their children, Bob and Sheila indulged their love for traveling and camping. They took many memorable trips over the years, but Bob’s favorite visit was to the Highland Games in Canada. After Bob lost his beloved Sheila, he leaned on the support of his friends and family to survive the grief. He also discovered a new family of friends at Goff Lake Campground near Marcellus. Bob took on the role of “camp sheriff” during the summers, and his family even got him a shirt and badge so he could look the part.

Never one to sit still for long, Bob pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He was never a picky eater and enjoyed all kinds of food, his favorite meal being meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Bob was very handy and good with tools. Though he didn’t tend to like sports, he did come to enjoy golf and even took a memorable golf trip to Kentucky along with his sons, Robert and Randy. Bob loved going out for breakfast, and he was a regular at LaRue’s and Michelle’s in Mattawan. He was happiest when those around him were happy. Bob was a firm believer that actions spoke louder than words, and he always did his best to show others just how much they were loved.

As family and friends can surely attest, Robert Stafford Sr. truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Bob was a friend to many and beloved by all. He faced challenges head-on with a spirit of fierce determination, and his insatiable zest for life could be felt by those around him. Though he will be dearly missed, Bob leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Robert Stafford died peacefully on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Members of his family include his 2 sons and their spouses: Robert (Lisa) Stafford Jr., Randy (Tamra) Stafford; Daughter-in-law, Tammy Stafford; 5 grandchildren: Erin Gehrman, Nicholas (Lisa) Stafford, Melissa (Rob) Alexander, Courtney (Brandon) Bordner, and Chelsea Stafford (Tommy Grill); 8 great grandchildren: Timothy and Nora Gehrman, Sadie and Collins Bordner, Simon and Jonas Alexander, Zoe Wier and Caleb Swanson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila in 2008; his son, Rusty in 2018; granddaughter, Anya Marie 1983; his brother, and his two sisters.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared on Tuesday 5-7 pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at St. John Bosco Church, 23830 Front Street, Mattawan, MI. Bob will be buried next to his wife Shelia in Hill Cemetery. Celebrate Bob’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.