Robert J. Stapf Jr.

1954 - 2024

Robert J. Stapf Jr.

March 26, 1954 - November 21, 2024

Robert J.M. Stapf Jr. passed away at home on November 21, 2024, after a difficult battle with cancer.

Born March 26, 1954, to Robert & Mildred Stapf in Chicago. His family moved to Menomonie, Wis., when he was 9. He married Patricia Giese, November 23, 2005, at the Jefferson Co. Courthouse. Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia Giese "Pat", of Johnson Creek, Wis.; his sister, Sherry (Larry) Starkweather, of Madison. Also survived by niece, Laura Lawrence; her daughter/great-niece, Reagan Lawrence; and great-great-niece, Hadleigh, of Watertown, Wis.; nephew, James Starkweather; and great-nephews, Max and Wesley, of Waukesha, Wis.; niece, Mary (Nick) Green plus children, Giuseppe and Luella, of Watertown, Wis.; as well as nephew, Jacob Starkweather, of Milwaukee, Wis. In addition, Stephanie Starkweather Rivers; and her children, Rebecca, Jessie, Katie, Anna and Libby, of Steubenville, Ohio.

Also surviving are his in-laws, Mary Giese Frailey, of Stroudsburg, PA; Charles Giese, of Tomahawk, Wis.; Jeanne (Steven) Gillis, of Watertown, Thomas Giese, of McClusky, N.D., Nancy (Phillip) Hartwick, of Beaver Dam, Wis. and Christopher Giese (Joann Ohlsson), of Lake Mills; as well as many more nieces and nephews. His life-long friends are too many to list.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Donna Stapf; and his nephew, Christopher Starkweather.

Bob grew up in Menomonie, Wis., where, after high school graduation, he went on to earn a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from UW Stout. He was the Assistant Manager at Nakoma Country Club in Madison when he and Pat first met. While he was responsible for dining room operations, he enjoyed doing table-side cooking. He went back to school at MATC for his degree in Culinary Arts when he switched from management to cooking. His career in food service spanned many years from Rocky Roccoco to The Madison Club. He most enjoyed working at Upstairs Downstairs Deli where he did catering for events at the Madison Art Center, The Coliseum and the Overture Center. He spent many years working for Marriott Corporation, serving executives and customers of Wausau Insurance Co. while living in Wausau. Change led to his next adventure in school food service, ending his work life at Lake Mills School District. He loved food but he loved cooking good food for other people even more.

It seems not that long ago that Bob was golfing, canoeing, camping and hiking with Pat or going to a Brewers' game with his college friends. No doubt some will remember him as Santa, or the uncle with the trains or the one who took them fishing. Bob loved his wife, good food, brandy w/ diet Coke, the Packers, his pets and his pals. He was always cheerful and funny, quick to laugh...and never complained. He knew how special his lifelong friendships were and showed us how to be a best friend. Everyone loved Bob.

Services will be held Saturday, December 7 at Schmutzler Vick Funeral Home, 500 Welsh Rd, Watertown, Wis. 53098 with visitation at 11:30 a.m. Fr. David Drefcinski will say the funeral celebration at noon. Interment will take place at a later date.

The Schmutzler-Vick Funeral Home is caring for the family. To place an online condolence, please visit www.sv-fh.com.