Robert Stange

Robert Martin Stange passed away February 25, 2020 at the age of 88.
Bob attended the Apostolic Christian Church throughout his life. He was known by those he met for his kindness and generosity.
Bob greeted others with a smile that twinkled in his eyes.  A beekeeper for most of his life, he shared his extensive knowledge helping others and often giving a jar of honey away in friendship.  Others benefited from his substantial vegetable garden.  Having a passion for the natural world, he joined with his aunt in maintaining a flower garden, an apple orchard, a pine grove, with trees, shrubs, and flowers throughout the property.
Born in California, he and his siblings came to Kawkawlin when he was four years old, after his Mother's death.  Living with his single Aunt Emma, he would comment lovingly, "She's my Mother."  He cared for her until her death at ninety-nine.  After graduating, he gained skills in farming and building houses. During the Korean War, he served his country as a medic in Japan.  Afterwards, he began work in the plant for Dow Chemical.  However, he was thrilled when his Aunt Emma happily joined him in the bee business and they rode together in his truck caring for the bees.  In his last years, Bob was watched over by his next door neighbor and cousin, Jeanette Waibel.  The highlight of his day was when her dog, Jasper, came bounding over to visit and receive his daily treat.
Bob was preceded in  death by his Mother Anna (Waibel), his father Martin Stange; his brother, Herb Stange and his wife Joanne Stange (Reder); his sister Joanne Stange and his cherished Aunt Emma Waibel.  He left behind a niece Ingrid Schieffer (Stange) and her husband Jeff, their children Deidre and Josef, and a nephew Greg Stange and his wife Dawn and their child Ava.  The oldest grandchild, he was loved by his many, many cousins and friends.
Bob's  funeral will take place at noon on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Gephart Funeral Home.  Officiating will be Pastor Bill Waibel with internment following in Heavenly Rest Cemetery.  Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the service at noon.   Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to make a contribution to the Apostolic Christian Charity Fund.  For online condolences www.GephartFuneralHome.com