Robert James Stack

1944 - 2024

Robert James Stack July 4, 1944 - February 16, 2024 Robert J. Stack, age 79 passed away peacefully in Grand Junction, Colorado.

Robert is survived by his wife Linda and two children, Elliot and Natalie. He was born to Joseph and his wife Agnes, Robert was an only child. He grew up in Superior, Wisconsin and lived there until his mother passed away in 1958. He then moved to Amarillo, Texas living with his aunt and uncle, Anna Schugel -Struble and Bob Struble. He attended high school in Amarillo graduating 8th out of three hundred graduating seniors at Tascosa high school in Amarillo. He completed his bachelor's degree in three years at West Texas State University. Five years later he completed his Master's degree from West Texas A&M University.

Robert moved from Texas to Colorado in 1970. In 1966-67, he continued his graduate studies completing one year of work on a PhD program in history. In Evanston while attending Northwestern, he worked at home for emotionally disturbed children.

In 1970 he taught one year at Grand Junction High School. In 1971, he went to work for Grand Junction's Community Action Program. Which was a part of the War on Poverty efforts to help low income and minority individuals. There he was appointed the Head Start Director, overseeing two centers, one in Grand Junction and the other in Fruita, Colorado. It was at the Community Action center that he met the most beautiful woman he had ever seen - Linda Gallegos, who was newly hired as a secretary there. They were soon married in July of 1971.

Later in 1971, he purchased a 16 lane bowling center in Grand Junction, the Freeway Bowl. In 1973, he expanded the center to 24 lanes and later enlarged the business to 48 lanes which enabled Grand Junction for the first time to be able to bid on the highly lucrative Colorado Men's and Women's State tournaments.

In 1992, Robert returned to his chosen profession, teaching. He taught 23 years at Palisade High School teaching ancient, medieval and U.S. history as well as geography and global studies.

Robert outlived many of his good friends; those who he leaves behind will fondly remember him as an articulate well informed individual. He was often outspoken about political issues. He had a strong interest in the extraterrestrial phenomena.

He retired from regular full-time teaching in 2010 and continued to serve the community as a substitute teacher eventually totally retiring in 2020. Robert spent much of his retired time reading Roman history. He also may be remembered by his service as a lector at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.

He will be buried at Orchard Mesa Cemetery. He will have a funeral mass service on March 2, 2024, 11:00 AM, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. All who knew him are welcome to attend.