Robert D. Stauffer, age 73, of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, August 17, 2025, at his residence.
Bob is survived by his wife, Cora Stauffer; three children: Nicole (Rick) Kornowski; Joseph (Sara) Stauffer; and Beth Van Der Walt (fiancé, Jeremy Holland); his grandchildren: Kayla Hartter (partner, Zach), Allison (Jared) Bursik, Elayna Hartter (partner, Nick), Grady Boland, Samuel Stauffer (partner, Taylor), Elijah Stauffer, and Elin Holland; his bonus grandchildren: Jacqueline Kornowski, Brooklyn Kornowski, Luke Holland and Eli Anderson. He is further survived by two sisters: Beverly (David) O’Black and Kris Vogelar; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Tom (Sharon) Smarella, Terry (Shelley) Butterfield, and Jeff (Kerry) Luecht; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Stauffer; his mother, Mildred Wagner; brother, David Stauffer; father and mother-in-law: Nick and Geri Smarella; one nephew, Brian Smarella; and dear friends, Scott Sherman and Carol Bloedorn.
A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held at the Manitowoc Maritime Museum on Friday, September 5. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by a short service at 6:00 p.m., and then a time of reflection and sharing of memories. The family invites anyone to share a favorite memory during the gathering, or to write one down to leave with them. Light food and refreshments will be available.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob’s name to Camp Wabek (eastersealswisconsin.com). Through his work with the Kiwanis Club, Bob was dedicated to supporting the camp and helping bring joy and opportunity to children in need. Deja Martin will be assisting the Stauffer family with arrangements. Online condolence messages may be shared at www.dejamartin.com
