Obituary: Robert, “Bob” A. Stanelle

Robert, “Bob” A. Stanelle, age 90, of Forest Junction, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, Jan 21, 2025. 

Bob was born November 23, 1934, in Green Bay, WI, the only child of the late Arthur and Claire (Eick) Stanelle.  He was a graduate of Brillion High School Class of 1952 and lived his entire life in Forest Junction.  He married Marjorie Lingle on October 30, of 1953.  Bob farmed with his dad until his death in 1963, then took over the family dairy farm, Ar-Clar Farm.  

In 1963 he won the Outstanding Young Farmer award. This led to many decades of sharing his love for the dairy industry. He had a very distinguished herd of Registered Guernseys that were recognized for many awards in milk production and butter fat. He was a member of the Northeast Wisconsin Guernsey Association, as well as enjoyed showing cattle at the Calumet County Fair, where he continued his lifetime support of the fair, riding on the gator with his daughter, Lanetta. Bob was a leader in the Friendly Valley 4-H Club for many years.  He received the Calumet County ‘Fair’ Person of the Year Award in 2014.  

Bob was civic minded and very much involved with his community.  He was a member of the Forest Junction Fire Dept, and Forest Junction Civic League.  He was a member of the Brillion School Board for 19 years but committed over 30 years of continued service by attending all meetings and keeping current on his passion for public school education. Bob was a faithful supporter of Brillion High School sports and could be found sitting next to his “bleacher buddies,” Dean and Norton. He was a regular attendee at Town of Brillion meetings, keeping up with local government. 

From farming to fry pan, Bob took over the Forest Jct. Cafe & Quick Mart, after his son became ill, greeting daily customers as well as those passing through town.   He also was known as Uncle Bobby the Clown as part of the Diner Clowns and was seen in many parades and at events with Grandma Clown. Bob enjoyed playing in dart ball leagues, gardening and taking care of his flowers, not to forget feeding the squirrels, which he loved dearly in the later years.  He truly lived life to the fullest in so many ways.  His smile, laughter and ‘voice’ alone, would let you know he was in the room and will be so missed.  And his infamous line to us all ‘don’t get old’. 

Survivors include his children: Lanetta (John) Mahlberg, Hilbert, Rich (Patti) Stanelle, Seymour, Mary Lurvey, De Forest; nine grandchildren: Evan (Christa) Stanelle, Aimee (Mike) Hamilton, Dr. Eric (Janelle) Stanelle, Dwayne (Nichole) Lurvey, Shannon Bernaden, Shianne (Brandon) Ferry, Sierra Lurvey, Ann Krause, Daniel (Brittany) Krause; 25 great grandchildren; the mother of his children: Marge Beyersdorf; and sons: Jeff Beyersdorf (Monica) and Jeremy (Khaek) Beyersdorf. Many friends, neighbors and relatives also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter: Kathy Stanelle; and one son: Robert Stanelle, Jr. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Zion Church in Forest Junction. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Justin Dietel. Burial will take place at Forest Home Cemetery in Forest Junction. 

The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Pielhop Funeral Home, Brillion, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The visitation will continue on Saturday morning at church from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob’s name. 

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.pielhop.com. 

The Pielhop Funeral Homes of Brillion & Reedsville are assisting the family with funeral arrangements. 

The family would like to thank Country Villa Assisted Living in Freedom for all their care, love and support of Bob. So many wonderful care staff, too many to list, but first impressions last a lifetime. Thank-you to Michelle, Bob’s ‘purple’ girl and Moe. A big Thank-you to St. Croix Hospice, RN Edelyn and Christie, who always made him smile, even on his last day!