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Tamarack City: It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Robert C. Stebler, 91, a resident of Heritage Pines of Hudson, FL. He passed away on May 20, 2026.
He was born in Hancock, MI, May 20, 1935 to Raymond and Eleanor Stebler. Bob was raised in Michigan. As a child, he loved baseball and was a Boy Scout, for 18 years, achieving the high honor of Eagle Scout. Bob attended Michigan Technological University where he met Barbara Davick. They married in Hollywood California where her parents resided. Bob earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from California City College and Cal State College in Mathematics and Industrial Education. He taught physics, math and engineering design for the Salesians at Don Bosco Technical High School in California for seven years. In 1966, they moved to Tamarack Mills, Michigan when Bob became an Associate Professor of Applied Technology and Engineering Design at Michigan Technological University. He taught there until his retirement in 1997. Bob was a much beloved teacher by his students. He earned the MTU Distinguished Teacher Award in 1996. He was awarded the Ken Hamar Award in support of MTU’s athletic programs. In addition, Bob served on the Academic Senate at MTU for 18 years, including as president.
Bob was very involved in his church and community. Over the years, he taught CCD classes, volunteered in a YMCA program, served as a lay reader and Eucharistic minister in the church, volunteered in catholic schools, and for over 30 years was active in the Catholic Knights of Columbus. He was active in the Third and Fourth Degrees serving as Faithful Comptroller and Faithful Navigator. In 1984, he began his 10 year progression of KC leadership serving in the offices of State Warden, State Advocate, State Treasurer, State Secretary, and State Deputy (the highest position within the state.) In 1995, he was appointed as the Supreme Director of the International Knights of Columbus governing board and became the second Past State Deputy from the Upper Peninsula to ever serve on the Order’s governing board. He served nine years in this capacity. In addition to his KC involvement, Bob and Barbara were inducted into the Equestrian Order of the Nights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. In 1994, Bob and Barbara achieved the highest papal honor of a lay person when they were named Knight and Dame Commander in the Order of St. Gregory the Great. The honors were granted by Pope Benedict XVI.
Bob will be greatly missed! He impacted so many lives with his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. He is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara, of 70 years. They have 3 children: Patricia, Kenneth, and Wendy, six grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. In addition, there are two cousins, Jim Drouin and Timothy Stebler. Proceeding Bob in death were his parents, Eleanor and Raymond Stebler.
The graveside Committal service will be at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, July 22 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lake Linden, MI with Father Corey Litzner to officiate. The Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at pearcefuneralhome.com
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