Robert C. Stai

1951 - 2026

Beaver Dam, WI - Robert C. Stai, 74, of Beaver Dam, formerly of Watertown, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek.

Robert was born on March 17, 1951, in Watertown, the son of Floyd and Anita (Hollatz) Stai. Robert attended St. Mark's Lutheran School where he was also baptized and confirmed. He graduated from Watertown High School in 1969. He served in the United States Air Force before being honorably discharged in 1972. After his time in the service, Robert worked at Wispak, Leather Rich, Zuerns & Watertown Memorial Hospital, where he retired from in 2012. In his retirement he worked part time at Fleet Farm in Beaver Dam.

In his younger years, Robert enjoyed bowling, playing softball and fishing. Robert enjoyed watching Nascar and football, especially the Green Bay Packers, building train sets, and going for motorcycle rides. After retirement he had a passion for tinkering with snowblowers and lawnmowers and very much enjoyed lawn care. But most of all, Robert loved any opportunity to try his luck on slot machines at the casino. Above all, he loved spending time with his family, whom he loved so fiercely to the very end.

Survivors include: Daughters Traci (Kenneth) Passon and Bridget (Don Drebenstedt, Robert's personal uber driver as he referred to him as) Schwantes; Grandchildren: Mattea "Buttons" (Robert), Korey "Bruiser", Spencer "Rambo", Lexi "Peanut" (Nick), Blake "Hawkeye" (Madison); significant other Theodora Margelofsky; special friend, Travis Vergenz, mother of his children, Karen Schuld; special friend, Judy Smith; one half-sister, Judy Soto; his fur babies, Gracie and Frankie. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd Stai, Sr. and Anita Wickert, stepfather Palmer Wickert; one sister Ruthann; three brothers James, Floyd, Jr, and Thomas and one half-brother, Larry.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Bahtia & Laura Lawrence of UW Oncology for their care and guidance on Robert's journey and also to Rainbow Hospice for providing comfort to Robert in his final days.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home with Rev. Peter Wells presiding. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 PM until the time of service.

Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home is caring for the family. To place an on-line condolence please visit www.pn-fh.com