Robert Samuel Stelley
Saturday, July 16, 1932
Date of Death:
Friday, October 11, 2019
Age:
87 years old
Visitation
Date: Saturday October 26, 2019
Time: 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Saturday October 26, 2019
Time: 11:00 am
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemetery [ view map ]
Saturday, July 16, 1932
Date of Death:
Friday, October 11, 2019
Age:
87 years old
Saturday, July 16, 1932
Date of Death:
Friday, October 11, 2019
Age:
87 years old
Robert Samuel Stelley
Longtime Rochester resident and local businessman, Robert “Bob” Samuel Stelley, passed away on Friday, October 11th surrounded by his family at Charter House Supportive Living. Bob was born on July 16, 1932 in Albion, NE to Arthur F. and Mary Frances (Hayes) Stelley. He graduated from Albion High School in 1950 and enlisted in the Army, serving in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the Army he returned to Albion, NE where he met and married Laureen Margaret Kraus on December 10, 1955. Bob and Laureen lived in Omaha, NE, Mankato, MN and eventually made their home in Rochester where he was the owner-operator of a Shell gas station, worked in the LP business and also worked at the Youth Vocational Center (YVC) as a youth counselor. With his hard work and dedication he went on to start Stelley’s Pure Ice, which became the local ice supplier for southeastern Minnesota, and southwestern Wisconsin. Bob then opened Westgate Service Station which he continued to operate with his wife and two sons until he retired. He also had residential and commercial properties. Bob was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Elks Lodge 1091 and the American Legion Post #92.
Bob was the epitome of a family man and enjoyed being with his family whether it was a gathering in the backyard for a BBQ, time on the Mississippi River at his place in Wabasha, or attending his kids and grandkids’ various events. He was also an avid “car guy” and overall fix-it man and could often be found in his garage working on his cars and multiple other projects. He especially loved Thunderbirds and still has a 1963 Thunderbird in his garage to this day. It brought him so much joy to have his children and grandchildren drive his Thunderbird. Most of all, Bob’s main goal in life was to make people laugh and he will be remembered for his ability to connect with people of all ages.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Laureen, 8 children, Jean (Scott) Larson of Rochester, Judy Behnken of Boise Idaho, Jacquie (Ed) Fricker of Stewartville, MN, Jill (Bill) Stelley Virden of Golden CO, Jeff (Connie) Stelley of Rochester, MN, Jim (Linda Lee) Stelley of Rochester, MN, Janet (Gary) Gunderson of Rochester, MN and Jon (Deanna) Stelley of Rochester, MN; 23 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren and a brother, Arthur Stelley of Waco, TX.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, son Jerry Robert, son-in-law Jeffrey Behnken and two brothers, Harold and Charlie.
Visitation will be held at River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home Saturday, October 26th from 9:30-11:00 a.m.; a memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Seasons Hospice.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Robert Samuel Stelley has received the following condolences.
The service for Bob Stelley was one of the most heartwarming tributes I've expereinced. His family did an excellent job in honoring a person who had so many good qualities. They added in the humor that he was so famous for and his love for all people. When I think of Bob, one of the things that I loved was...he always had time to talk with me.
Sincere Sympathy to a great family...The Stelleys.
Janet and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was an amazing, kind man. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Kate Canney Tarvestad
Jill and family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Please know that you’re in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
Laurie and Jim Korsmo
Jill and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father/spouse. God's blessings to all. Prayers during this of grief. Jill please be safe as you travel.
Dorothy
My heart goes out to all of you. He lived a good life, sometimes hard, but he always managed through. As a Brother in Law, I always loved him, as well as the rest of your family. They were all "tops".
Janet and Gary,
Please know you and the Stelley family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue
Dear Laureen and all the J’s,
What a great guy this world has lost. Bob was a terrific neighbor, great mentor to all the kids on the block, and a master griller! Add these traits all the wonderful attributes you wish to find in a guy you just like to be around! We know our son Joe considered himself an honorary Stelley His favorite place to spend the day was out at Westgate! We all have our favorite Bob story that will bring us a smile or touch our hearts! We hope there are no speed zones in heaven as Bob really has earned his final reward! Rest with God, Bob!
Laureen& Family, we were so sorry to hear of Bob's death. We always enjoyed our time with you guys at the river. He was a Great guy.
Prayers & Peace to all of you.
Nel & Chris Garness
We are so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts & prayers are with the family. We have such fond memories spent in Wabasha while you were there❤️
He was among "the Best". Always did what he thought was right. Made great effort to help everyone. Always loved him as a brother.
Dear Jill & all of the Stelley family,
I just heard about your dad’s passing and want to express my deepest sympathy. By all accounts your dad was a good and faithful servant. You will never stop missing him but try to find comfort in knowing you will meet again. Your DK friends are thinking of you with love.
I am sorry for your loss of such a wonderful man. He was so family oriented and also welcomed his children's friends into their home with a warm heart and big smile. I remember him for his humor. He always made me laugh.
We are sorry for your loss. He was a good man.
We are forever grateful for your service and your sacrifice. Rest in Peace my Veteran Brother.
Jacquie and all of Stelley family,
My heartfelt condolences to you. My memories of your Dad are of him making me laugh. He brought so much joy to the world and I know he is dearly missed. The cars, oh how wonderful it was to tool around town in a classic. Great times thanks to Mr. Stelley. RIP.
Gwen
Dear Jean and all of the Stelley Family,
So sorry for the loss of your sweet Dad. I always enjoyed interacting with your parents when I saw them. Please extend condolences to all of your family.
Rita, Dan and family
Jeff, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Find Peace knowing as a Christian he will be waiting for you in Heaven.
Dear Laureen & family,
Our deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time. You are in our prayers. God’s Blessings.
Kevin & Maureen Wilson
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers
Stelley family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you all, he will be missed. Our deepest sympathy.
Janet and family - I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Condolences and prayers to the Stelley family. Much love, Tom Butler
Saying a final good bye to the head of your family, the man you all loved and looked up to is never easy and always comes to soon. ? From our family to yours we are sending our prayers? And ❤️ Love.
The Richards Family
So many memories of cousin Bob...and Laureen. Our fondest sympathy to Laureen and family. HUgs...Paul and Melba Kuntzelman