Robert Lewis Stirm

1933 - 2025

Robert Lewis Stirm
03/22/1933 - 11/11/2025
It is with deep sorrow and gratitude for a life of service that we announce the passing of Robert Lewis Stirm, a true American hero, devoted father, and loyal friend. Bob passed away in Fairfield, California, on Veterans Day, November 11, 2025, at the age of 92. He is now at peace, having exchanged earthly burdens for a heavenly home.
Born March 22, 1933, in San Francisco to H. Glenn Stirm and Virginia Alice (Lewis) Stirm, Bob grew up in San Mateo, CA. His lifelong spirit of adventure led him to a distinguished 24-year career as a Colonel in the United States Air Force.
Bob logged more than 5,900 flight hours in numerous fighter aircraft, including the F-86, F-89, F-100, F-101, F-102, F-104D, F-105, F-106, and the F-4E. Known by the call sign "Manfred," he served on select elite air defense competition teams during the 1960s. He represented McChord Air Force Base on the William Tell Air Competition teams in 1961 and 1963 and Soesterberg / Camp New Amsterdam Air Force Base in 1965, winning the championship before a national audience on ABC's Wide World of Sports. In 1966, his 32nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron team represented the United States Air Force in Europe at the AIRCENT Defense Air Competitions, where they again emerged victorious.
During the Vietnam War, Bob flew combat missions over North Vietnam with the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing. Shot down on his 35th mission in October 1967, he endured 1,966 days as a prisoner of war, demonstrating extraordinary integrity, courage and resilience. His military honors include multiple Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, multiple Purple Hearts, and numerous additional awards.
Beyond military service, Bob embraced life fully. He loved speed and adventure-from building cars as a youth to skiing, sailing on San Francisco Bay, and competitive tennis. He also enjoyed photography and continued flying after military retirement before returning to the family business, Ferry Steel Products, founded in 1903.
Bob was predeceased by his beloved son, Robert L. Stirm, Jr., DDS; his grandson, Cody Hunter Stirm; his parents; his brother, H. Glenn Stirm, Jr.; his sister-in-law, Martha (Kemmerer) Stirm; and his sister, Carol (Stirm) Quinonez.
His legacy lives on through his children: Lorrie Stirm (Norm) Kitching, Roger (Nevert Boraie) Stirm, and Cynthia Stirm (Steve) Pierson. He was the adored grandfather of Christopher (Alissa) Clark, Jessica (Nelson) Diaz, Nicholas Stirm, Ryan (Ariel) Stirm, Sommer Stirm, Norman Kitching, Ralph (Mariya) Minderhoud, Irene Minderhoud, and Rhoda Minderhoud, and a proud great-grandfather to eight. He is also survived by his siblings Virginia Hall, Marjory Stirm, Nancy (Bud) Bronstein, and John (Kimberly) Stirm, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Bob will be remembered for his courage, dedication to country, kindness, dry wit, and enduring charm.
Service Information
Celebration of Life Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM
Episcopal Church of Saint Matthew
1 El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94401
Reception to follow at Julia Beylard Hall
Interment Graveside service with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery will be held Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 9:00 A.M.
Memorial Contributions In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
· Episcopal Church of Saint Matthew (San Mateo, CA)
· The Cost of Courage Foundation (San Jose, CA)