Robert Stadler

Robert Edgar Stadler, age 84, went to heaven on Saturday, March 2, 2013, after a brief battle with cancer. Bob was born on May 25, 1928. His parents were Edgar Jonas Stadler and Elsie Louisa Stadler (Eipperle). He was raised and lived most of his life in Monroe and was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He served two years in the Army from 1950 to 1952. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and was stationed in Germany. He had a 50-year career with Monroe Auto Equipment Company, from which he retired as a production engineer in 1996. The story of his career and retirement was featured in a front-page article of The Wall Street Journal. On June 16, 1962, Bob married Dorothy Ann Rhoads with whom he celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary last summer. In 2011, Bob and Dorothy, who survives him, moved to Wyoming, Michigan to be near their children and grandchildren. In early January this year, Bob was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, which ultimately took his life. Bob is survived by three children, James, Carol Ann and Richard, two daughters-in-law, Laura and Sharon, and five grandchildren, Ian, Cameron, Landon, Heather and Connor. A faithful Christian, Bob epitomized the best characteristics of being a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Among all things temporal, family was Bob’s highest priority, singular source of pride, and greatest producer of joy. Raised during, and no doubt being influenced by, the Great Depression, Bob approached life and its challenges by “making the best of it” no matter how challenging the circumstances. He departed this Earth confident of his faith in God, certain of his eternal salvation, and satisfied that “he had a good life.” He will be dearly missed by his friends and family. Bob was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Charles Henry Stadler, also of Monroe. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2013 in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe, from 12:00 noon until funeral services beginning at 2:00 PM also at the funeral home. The Rev. Jeffery Heimsoth, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Monroe, will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church.