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Stan Drobac Obituary
Stan Drobac, 88, long time resident of Okemos, MI and the husband of the late Elizabeth "Betty" Drobac, died Sunday, April 3, 2016, in Fountain Inn, SC.
Born in Milwaukee, WI, Stan served in the US Army where he represented the US in international tennis competitions including Wimbledon in 1946. Upon his return he enrolled as a student at Michigan State University where he won the Big Ten Doubles Championship in 1952 and both the Big Ten Doubles and Singles titles in 1953. Stan was the coach of the MSU Men's Tennis team from 1958-1989. He was also instrumental in developing the first wheelchair tennis program at MSU.
A leader and an innovator who helped shape the intercollegiate tennis team championship, his most recent honor was to be named Most Valuable Player of the MSU Tennis All-Century team. The annual MSU Tennis team MVP honor is awarded in his name. For his contributions to the game, he was inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Hall of Fame in 1990.
Survivors include two daughters, Bonnie Sands of Monument, CO, and Connie Drobac Cleveland of Fountain Inn, SC; one son, Stan Drobac of Atherton, CA; and two grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at Fountain Inn (SC) Presbyterian Church on Monday, April 11, 2016, from 4-6PM. A Memorial Service will be held at River Terrace Church in East Lansing, Michigan at 11AM on June 18, 2016.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Stan's name to the MSU men's tennis program at https://michiganstate.donornetpac.com/MSU/GiveNow/ by selecting the "Tennis - Men's" category.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.thomasmcafee.com.
Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel
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Jaci Worden Stocking
December 28, 2017
I was talking with my mother the other day about your parents and memories of going sledding at a house they lived in during their early years. My mom shared with me the many memories of both your parents and their friendship. My dad played many a tennis game with your dad while my older sister rode her tricycle around the courts. Though my parents moved to Grand Rapids in 1970, your mother and mine kept in contact up to her passing. I Googled your dad to see if he was still living and I see he passed. Even with my parents into their 90s- the Drobac name is a part of happy memories relived by our family now and then. Our condolences on the loss of your parents. They both were wonderful people.
June 14, 2016
You three have my sympathy. My mom dies two years ago now, so I know how that feels very well. Your dad was so handsome (much like my own dad) and so willing to visit with us and find out how our lives were going. Always smiling. That will be my memory of him. We all will miss the remaining uncle to the Drobac name. So very sorry for all of you. Your cousin, Marcy Drobac Sheets
William Drobac
June 13, 2016
My deepest sympathy to my cousins Stan, Bonnie and Connie. I have fond memories of visiting my Uncle Stan and family and enjoying the MSU campus. Our Grandmother always wished he'd win a coat or a pair of shoes rather than a tennis trophy. He was respected by the family and no doubt by MSU!
William P Drobac
Patrice Hoerster
April 11, 2016
Although work keeps me from the local memorial service that starts in a few minutes; you are currently on my mind and being lifted up. Coach is missed by many. His legacy lives in his children and all those whose life he touched.
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Steve Cook
April 10, 2016
Connie and family,
I extend my sympathy on the loss of your dad. Coach Drobak was truly a legend. My dad held such deep regard for your father. I was thrilled to have him speak to our junior tennis players at the Kroc Center. And what a great job he did telling stories! It was a joy to spend time with him watching a couple of grand slam matches on TV. I truly loved taking Coach to Coach Magill's birthday party a few years ago in Athens. It's hard to imagine the number of lives your father impacted. I'm so fortunate to have known such a great man. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Bobby Wilcox
April 8, 2016
Born and raised in Spartan country, I moved down to Greer SC., 9 years ago. I'm not only saddened for his departure, but also if I knew he was just down the road from where I live I would have liked to have visited with him. I have followed his life since he started as a student at MSU. A true GIANT in not only Spartan history, but in U S sports history. What a huge shadow he leaves and words can't describe how much he will be missed. I send out prayers to his family and may we honor him by never forgetting.
D A
April 8, 2016
My deepest condolences to your family during this most difficult time. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so beloved. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that your loved one is in God's memory because those who pass on are "precious in his eyes." (Psalms 116:15)
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