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Ivan Stusak Obituary
Robert was born in Norcross, to Gilbert and Margaret Stusak in 1942. He was a direct descendant and 6th great-grandson of Hardy Ivy, who was the first settler of downtown Atlanta. He grew up attending Murphy High School and Georgia State University. In 1964, he married Marilyn Jenkins and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage, preceding him in death, in 2017. They had two daughters, Kimberly and Kristy. They moved to Tucker in 1972, raising their girls. Beginning in 1992, he became Grandpa to five grandchildren: Zachary (Adrienne) Ortega, Chris (Melissa) Shattuck, Anna Shattuck, Jesse (Marina) Ortega, and Alex Martinez. After a 40-year career, Robert retired from Prudential Insurance. Another milestone in 2017, he became a Great-Grandpa to Elaine Ortega, Juliet Ortega, Marilyn Ortega, and Isabella Ortega. In 2019, Robert fell in love again and married Lynne Stusak. Robert became a bonus-father to Melissa (Tim) Smith, Amy Brown, Matthew Morris; and three bonus-grandchildren: Emelie Laughner, Kyrie Morris and Riley Brown.
Robert died due to complications of a surgical procedure unexpectedly on February 22, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Lynne; and his daughters, Kimberly (James) Hayes, Kristy Ortega-Martinez; his brothers, Richard (Charlotte) Stusak, David Stusak; aunts, Nelcie Stusak and Betty Saladna; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held March 17, 2024 at 5:00 PM, in Woodstock, GA, and a private graveside service will be held at Westview Cemetery March 18, 2024.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ivan Stusak
Anna
March 24, 2024
One of my favorite photos together at an insurance convention.
Your Granddaughter Anna Shattuck
March 23, 2024
Your Granddaughter Anna Shattuck
March 23, 2024
Your Granddaughter Anna Shattuck
March 23, 2024
Your Granddaughter Anna Shattuck
March 23, 2024
Your Granddaughter Anna Shattuck
March 23, 2024
Grandpa,
In many ways, you were one of the most stable and strong influences on my life growing up. You are one of the reasons I kept pursuing art. You are one of the reasons that I have grown up to be a confident woman. Without you, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I never thought I would lose you so soon. I always thought you would be there at my wedding, or at the birth of my kids. I wish so badly that I could have at least gotten to say goodbye one last time.
The last time you and I just talked, one on one, it was January 1st two weeks before grandma passed away. We were in the hospital and I was sitting there, 24 and complaining about my life. You and grandma both patiently sat there and listened to me go on about things that didn't matter.
When I was done, you looked at me and said, "we want you to know that no matter what happens, we will always be with you. We will always support you and love you. You can come to us for anything."
I think you both knew grandma wasn't going to get better. I think you were telling me then that even when you both were gone, you'd always be with me. I wish I had realized what you two were telling me back then. I wish I had cherished my time with you more, and spent more time with you as an adult.
I miss you and grandma. I wish you were here. There are so many things I wanted to say. I hope I get to see you again someday and say them.
Thank you for being there for me, always. I love you.
Lynne Stusak
March 21, 2024
To my love, Robert. You have given me the most loving marriage anyone could ever want or need. With you gone, the house is heavy with emptiness and the silence is deafening. Your voice is not heard now, but in my memory, I will always hear your words of love and affection. The songs you sent to me and even sang to me are etched on my heart forever. Your spiritual leadership and wisdom permeated our home, and I miss that solid substance here. While I wait to see you again in the resurrection, I will try to carry the spiritual Stusak torch that you´ve left behind. I love you my wonderful husband forever
Lynne Stusak
March 21, 2024
To my love, Robert. My heart is broken without you here with me; the house is loud with silence and completely hollow without your presence. Although I see you in every one of your paintings, or piece of furniture you refinished, or the shelves you hung with such diligence which were all done out of pure love. What I miss most is your voice - the voice of love, hope, comfort, and wisdom. I miss your arms around me in security and the simplicity of you holding my hand but mostly it´s your kiss which could send a charge of electricity in me from head to toe. You used to laugh to think you had that special power over me. My life has been forever changed for knowing you and having you for my very own. The time was so seemingly short but the dense quality of our life together could fill 100 marriages. There wasn´t a waking moment we were together that wasn´t filled with love and laughter and even more so after weathering a storm. We wanted to spend forever together but now we will wait till that fine day when our God opens up the graves and calls for all the dead to come out to a life of beauty, health, and complete happiness. I´ll be there right by your side ready to welcome you back to life in a Paradise Earth as God had intended from the very beginning. Until then my love, I will hold you tight in my heart and memory and never forget our perfect love that we shared. Your generous love carried over to my beautiful children and grandchildren that you treated as your own, making them feel welcome into your life never once pushing them away. -- Robert, my love, my life, and my husband. I love you forever, your Lynne
Kristy
March 20, 2024
Amy Brown
March 19, 2024
Robert, you have been encouraging to me in every way. Spiritually and as a Father Figure. Our time was too short lived and I find myself crying at the most simple things like my tool box you told me to make so I could fix my water, or spackle a wall or Anything. That is Love, Robert you taught me what a dad teaches their daughter so I can be OK. I did not get that from my dad so I Thank You so Much for those days and for stepping in to be what I never had and I miss you so much. It is hard to go a day without crying over a tool you told me I needed to have or as Kim and I talked about: boxes with duck tape handles and pulleys, lol. I miss Robert so much. He was the best dad even if the time was short. He just loved with all of his heart ALL of his family.
Kristy Ortega baby daughter
March 17, 2024
Daddy, until I see you again, I´ll listen to George Straight for you and laugh for you and teach my grandchildren like you. You were my everything! I know how much you loved us We loved you even moreThank you for every beautiful memory. Your Baby
Zach
March 10, 2024
First buck I shot, Grandpa was so proud he teared up seeing me so excited
Kimberly Hayes (Robert´s daughter)
March 6, 2024
Traveled to Brooklyn NY and all over the world with our Dad and Mom! We will always have those special memories Daddy! Thank you for giving your family the love of travel!
Kimberly Hayes
March 5, 2024
Kimberly Hayes
March 5, 2024
Kimberly Hayes
March 5, 2024
Kimberly Hayes
March 5, 2024
Kimberly Hayes
March 5, 2024
Kristy Ortega
March 5, 2024
Kristy Ortega
March 5, 2024
Kristy Ortega
March 5, 2024
Kristy Ortega
March 5, 2024
Sandy Paffoon
March 3, 2024
What a shock. Lynne, you are in our thoughts and prayers. It was so good to reconnect with you and Robert. Momma had such beautiful memories of the European trip she took with Robert and his family. We are so very sorry for your loss and look forward to the time when we will welcome all our precious loved ones back - what a reunion that will be. I will call you soon. Much Christian love, Sandy & Joe Paffoon
Douglas Spencer
March 3, 2024
He stood tall on his principals, but kept an open mind and would listen for an hour before offering an appropriate verse to strengthen your heart.
McIntyre Blanche
March 2, 2024
You have left behind many grand memories for all of those whose lives you have touched, and that is a multitude. I hope all can remember the fun and laughter and joy that you always spread.
I will always have a smile on my face when thinking of you.
Blanche
Nelcie (Toots) Stusak
March 2, 2024
I will miss you coming by often and the long talks we had of " long ago" and especially the Bible history we always enjoyed sharing.
Aunt Toots (aka N elcie )
Sherry Allen
March 2, 2024
He must have been a great man and father. You will always have the wonderful memories of time spent together.
Janet Genevie
March 2, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to all who have loved Robert. This is a terrible loss. Robert was always ready and willing to help anyone in need of anything. He was such an encouragement to me personally along with so many others. I was made to feel like family and appreciated being a part of life with his family. Ready and willing to help anyone gain better understanding of the scriptures. His guidance, direction and love towards everyone motivated me to embrace others openly and show love to others. Robert will be missed so much until we see him again. Rest in Gods love my dear friend and brother.
Sandra Patrick
March 2, 2024
My very first impression and memory is the Robert had a big smile and a warm hug. I will truly miss him. A very encouraging brother to me. A good listener and giving encouragement, with up building thoughts. You are loved brother Robert Stusak.
Holly Goodling, Rita Seeley
March 2, 2024
My friend Rita and I met Lynn and Robert for lunch at a restaurant in Cartersville. He kindly paid for our lunch. Robert was compassionate and loving listening to our past histories. We were so happy that Lynn found such a wonderful brother to marry. Rita and I are very sad for Lynn's loss.
Agnes Oberth
March 2, 2024
Robert was joy to know. We will miss him so much. He was a wonderful man, beautiful artist, and a dear brother.
Ikeia Hill
March 1, 2024
My condolences to Kristy, Alex, and family I know how you feel and what you're going through. No words nor actions can make this easier but just know we are here for you.
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