Robert Charles Stiefel

Robert Charles Stiefel
Robert "Bob" Charles Stiefel, 79, of Bay City, formerly of Essexville went home to be with our Lord on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. He was born in Bad Axe on June 3, 1941, the son of the late Jacob and Mary Jane (Kniesel) Stiefel. Bob was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bad Axe. He married Verlene Grace Licht of Pigeon on Aug. 5, 1961 at Cross Lutheran Church and was blessed with 59 years of marriage.
Bob was a graduate of Bad Axe High School in 1959, honorably served our country in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years, and worked for the Kroger company in a variety of positions for 43 years while residing in Essexville. Following retirement Bob was also a member of American Legion Post 18.
Bob was a faithful member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church of Essexville and active in many leadership roles. While spending the winters in Florida, Bob faithfully attended and served Hope Lutheran Church in Hudson, Fla. Bob loved spending time with family and friends, serving at both churches, playing cards, traveling and sharing memories and past experiences. He participated in many outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, camping, backyard bonfires and BBQs. His favorite post retirement activities included small projects in the garage and repairs of any kind helping out numerous friends and neighbors.
Bob leaves his wife, Verlene; four children, Robert Jr. (Martina) Stiefel, Carlene Dardas, Lyle (Monique) Stiefel and Eileen (Aaron) Lyman; 10 grandchildren, Matthew (Kelli) Dardas Jr., Deanna (Bryan) Vaughn, Jason (Jennifer) Dardas, Robert Stiefel III, Michael Stiefel, Stephanie (Nathen) Maze, Andrea (Joshua) LaFramboise, Jacob Stiefel, Joseph (Megan) Lyman, and Elizabeth (James) Dupree; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters Mary Williams and Martha Coleman; brother, William (Caroline) Stiefel; sister-in-law, Joan Stiefel; and brother-in-law, Dr. Denver Harmon as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Jacob and Peter, and his sisters, Catherine Lockert, Sophie Connors, and Caroline Harmon.
Funeral service will be at noon on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 at Pilgrim Lutheran Church, 1705 Nebobish Ave. in Essexville. The Rev. Erwin M. Hutter officiating. Burial will take place at Floral Gardens Cemetery with military honors provided under the auspices of the Bay County Veterans Council and the US Army. The family will greet friends at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. A link to view the live stream of the service will appear on the tribute wall of Bob's obituary at www.steelefuneraldirectors.com. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution may consider Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Essexville, Hope Lutheran Church in Hudson, Fla. or wishes of the family.