Robert J. Stapf Jr.

Everyone loved Bob………..

Robert J.M. Stapf Jr. passed away at home on November 21, 2024 after a difficult battle with cancer. 

Born March 26th, 1954 to Robert & Mildred Stapf in Chicago. His family moved to Menomonie, WI when he was 9. He married Patricia Giese November 23, 2005 at the Jefferson Co. Courthouse. Bob is survived by his wife Patricia Giese “Pat” of Johnson Creek, WI, his sister Sherry (Larry) Starkweather of Madison. Also survived by niece Laura Lawrence, her daughter/ great niece Reagan Lawrence & great-great niece Hadleigh of Watertown, WI , nephew James Starkweather and great nephews Max and Wesley of Waukesha, WI, niece Mary (Nick) Green plus children Giuseppe & Luella of Watertown, WI as well as nephew Jacob Starkweather of Milwaukee, WI. In addition, Stephanie Starkweather Rivers & her children Rebecca, Jessie, Katie, Anna & Libby of Steubenville, OH.

 Also surviving are his in-laws: Mary Giese Frailey of Stroudsburg, PA, Charles Giese of Tomahawk, WI, Jeanne (Steven) Gillis of Watertown, Thomas Giese of McClusky, ND, Nancy (Phillip) Hartwick of Beaver Dam, WI and Christopher Giese (Joann Ohlsson) of Lake, Mills as well as many more nieces & nephews. His life-long friends are too many to list.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Donna Stapf and his nephew Christopher Starkweather. 

Bob grew up in Menomonie, WI where, after high school graduation, he went on to earn a degree in Hotel & Restaurant Management from UW Stout. He was the Assistant Manager at Nakoma Country Club in Madison when he and Pat first met. While he was responsible for dining room operations, he enjoyed doing table-side cooking. He went back to school at MATC for his degree in Culinary Arts when he switched from management to cooking. His career in food service spanned many years from Rocky Roccoco to The Madison Club. He most enjoyed working at Upstairs Downstairs Deli where he did catering for events at the Madison Art Center, The Coliseum & the Overture Center. He spent many years working for Marriott Corporation, serving executives & customers of Wausau Insurance Co. while living in Wausau Change led to his next adventure in school food service, ending his work life at Lake Mills School District. He loved food but he loved cooking good food for other people even more. 

It seems not that long ago that Bob was golfing, canoeing, camping & hiking with Pat or going to a Brewers’ game with his college friends. No doubt some will remember him as Santa, or the uncle with the trains or the one who took them fishing. Bob loved his wife, good food, brandy w/ diet Coke, the Packers, his pets & his pals. He was always cheerful & funny, quick to laugh….and never complained. He knew how special his lifelong friendships were & showed us how to be a best friend. Everyone loved Bob. 

Services will be held Saturday, December 7th at Schmutzler Vick Funeral Home, 500 Welsh Rd, Watertown, WI 53098 with visitation at 11:30 a.m. Fr. David Drefcinski will say the funeral celebration at noon. Catered lunch will be provided after the service. Internment will take place at a later date.