Robert R. Stahl

Robert (Bob) Ray Stahl, 84, of Fairbury, passed from this earth on Monday, July 11, 2016 at JCHC. He was born in Diller, NE, to Herman and Norma Harvey Stahl on November 21, 1931.

Bob was educated in the Diller school system graduating in 1949. After graduation, he met and eventually married Phyllis Valentine on August 5, 1952. Two days after the wedding ceremony, Bob shipped out to serve in the US Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. During his absence, his bride resided with in Diller with her new father-in-law.

Upon his return, the couple moved to an apartment in Fairbury where they started a family. Bob was employed as truck driver. In subsequent years he also worked at the Creamery, the CoOp, and Barber Furniture.

Besides being a devoted family man, Bob enjoyed boating, water skiing, fishing and taking his wife dancing. He and Phyllis raised three girls and were active in the community. He was a member of the Fairbury Elks Lodge, and belonged to the VFW and the American Legion.

Bob volunteered many hours to Legion Baseball raising funds and running concession stands. Fairbury’s memorial monument on the court house lawn honoring those who served in the armed forces was one of Bob’s proudest achievements. He was also involved in the Avenue of Flags conception. His efforts and civic minded pursuits did not go unnoticed as he received numerous honors for his efforts including 2 time recipient of the Legionnaire of the Year award.

In later years when his wife took ill, Bob lovingly and diligently cared for her in their home until her death in 2011. They shared their love and their lives for 59 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents, a sister Ruth Loth, and son-in-law Michael Grummert.

Survivors are daughters: Valerie (John) Griffin of Glasco, KS., Brenda Grummert of Salina, KS., Teresa (Kurt) Ruhman of Chesterton, IN.; grandchildren: Amber Christensen, Autumn Griffin, Jeremy Grummert, Bruce and Rebecca Ruhman; great grandchildren: Layton and Kyla Christensen, Brook and Zachary Grummert.

Services will be Friday, July 15, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home with Lana Likens officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Home Cemetery, Diller, NE. Memorials to the American Legion, V.F.W. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.