Robert Virgil Stopak

ALBION-Robert Virgil Stopak, 80, of Albion, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Albion with Reverend Matthew Gutowski officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. following the luncheon at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in Fullerton. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. vigil service at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Palmer-Santin Funeral Home in Fullerton is serving the family.

Bob was born January 30, 1946, to Louis and Elizabeth (Knopik) Stopak in Genoa, NE. He grew up near Fullerton and attended grade school at Krakow near Genoa and St. Bridget's Grade School in Omaha. He later returned to Fullerton and graduated from Fullerton High School in 1964. In his younger years, Bob helped run a cream route business with his father and during high school, also worked at Len & Jo's Supermarket in Fullerton. Following high school, Bob attended barber college in Omaha and Lincoln. He began his barbering career at Ted Sample's Barber Shop in Fullerton. In 1967, he moved to Albion, where he worked for Jack Anderson's Barbershop. He later purchased the business, which became known as Bob's Barbershop. For 54 years, Bob faithfully served the Albion community as a barber, retiring in 2019 due to health issues.

Bob's Barbershop was more than a place for a haircut, it was a local gathering spot where friends and neighbors met to tell stories, share jokes, pull pranks, and enjoy plenty of laughter. It became a cornerstone of community connection in Albion, reflecting Bob's welcoming spirit and gift for conversation.

On September 2, 1967, Bob married Ruth Diane Schlitt at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fullerton. To this union, three children were born: Timothy, Scott, and Brandi.

He was a devoted member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He served on the Albion City Council and was active in the Albion Jaycees and the Chamber of Commerce. He generously gave his time coaching youth baseball for several years and served as a Cub Scout leader. For many years, he also served as the local distributor for the Omaha World-Herald, providing several young people in the community with their first jobs.

Bob was an avid fisherman who cherished time spent outdoors. He also enjoyed camping, gardening, and adoring the several dogs he had over the years. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Diane Stopak of Albion; his children, Timothy (Jackie) Stopak of Albion, Scott (Janine) Stopak of Nampa, ID, and Brandi (Corey) Becker of Raymond; his grandchildren, Juan (Jessica) Soto of Sioux Falls, SD, Robert (Hannah) Stopak of Anchorage, AK, Samuel Stopak of Fort Collins, CO, Christina and Jordan Stopak of Kearney, and Jacob (Lila) Stopak-Knoll of Caldwell, ID; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Jay) Ragsdale of Oswego, IL and Patricia (Phil) Samuels of Norfolk; and brother-in-law, Richard (Lyn) Schlitt of Nipomo, CA; many nieces and nephews. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Roman and Faye Soto of Sioux Falls, SD, children of Juan and Jessica.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clifford (Louise) Stopak; in-laws, Ronald and Wealtha Schlitt; and brother-in-law, Butch Schlitt.

He was also a friend of Bill W. and Dr. Bob for 51 years.