Dr. Robert Earl Stufflebam

Dr. Robert "Stuff" Earl Stufflebam died peacefully, September 21, 2023 at the age of 91. A Springfield native, he was the son of Ralph L. and Clessa M. (Cook) Stufflebam. He attended Southwest High School in St Louis, Missouri and Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri. His love of basketball started at Westminster where he was the captain of the basketball team and the love continued with his lifelong support of MSU basketball and the Bears Fund. He found another love at Westminster. He met "the right girl", Mary Lou Mankin and they were married in 1953 while still in college. They shared a life of love, laughter and joy through the years.
He attended St. Louis University medical school specializing in gastroenterology. He and Dr. Don Wantuck founded Internal Medicine Associates and practiced at St. John's for 34 years. He took great pride in providing personal, compassionate care to his patients.
After retiring in 1996, he continued to be active as a volunteer at the Kitchen and other organizations. His strong work ethic and desire to contribute resulted in continuing to work part time until he was 89 years old. He maintained his support of Westminster College throughout the years and was the recipient of the Westminster Alumni Achievement Award in 2001.
He enjoyed life! If it was playing endless games of golf at Hickory Hills Country Club; traveling to Ixatapa Mexico for the winter or watching sports, he did it with a passion and a grin.
He loved his family dearly and reminded us frequently of his love. His humor and kindness will be truly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Lou; his children Steve and Paula Stufflebam of Springfield, Kari and Tony Lamborn of Springfield; his grandchildren Geoff, Nick, Brett and his partner Jon, Claire and her husband David and great grandson Sebastian.
A special thank you to Tina and Nola for their care of Stuff and Mary. You filled their home with love and laughter while providing excellent care. Thank you to amazing staff at Fresenius Kidney Center of Springfield and the Mercy Comfort Care team on 5B for the most compassionate and professional care. Also, to Walt Miller, Frank Davidson, John Mihalevich and Tom Fowler for their endearing friendship.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home located at 1947 E Seminole, Springfield, Missouri 65804. A celebration of life will follow the memorial service at Metropolitan Grill 2931 East Battlefield Springfield, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Cameron D. Day Chair of Biology, c/o Westminter College, 501 Westminster Avenue, Fulton, MO 65251.
The memorial slideshow can be viewed here.