Robert Stockburger Obituary

Robert "Bob" K. Stockburger

June 30, 1938 - August 28, 2025

Robert K. "Bob" Stockburger, age 87, of Chippewa Falls, peacefully left his earthly life to be with the Lord on August 28, 2025.

Bob was born on June 30, 1938, in Rockford, IL, the son of Robert and Fern (Marth) Stockburger. He was raised alongside his devoted brother and lifelong "partner-in-crime", Tom. Together, the two created a lifetime of stories and laughter that the family will cherish forever.

Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis. After serving honorably, he began working at the Electric Company, where he met the love of his life, Joan (Winzenried). The two were married on September 18, 1965, and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in just a couple of weeks. After graduating with a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, Bob and Joan settled in Chippewa Falls, where they built a beautiful life and home for the next 57 years.

Bob dedicated his career to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, where his work lives on in the many bridges he helped build across the state. Yet his proudest accomplishment was the family he and Joan raised. They were blessed with three children and six grandchildren, each of whom Bob bragged about whenever he had the opportunity. He was the steady foundation of his family, known for his integrity, strong work ethic, and unwavering devotion.

Bob loved spending time at the family cabin in Birchwood, built by his grandfather. He found joy in fishing on the lake, taking UTV rides with Joan through the countryside, and enjoying simple lunches at their favorite local stops. A tenderhearted man, Bob's eyes often welled with tears when hearing a story that touched him. Yet, he also carried a toughness that left no doubt about his grit. Just this past week, after tumbling his lawnmower down a 50-foot ravine, Bob lived for two more days despite multiple severe injuries-still joking and able to talk with his family. Those precious, mostly alert, hospital hours were a gift. Dad always laughed and loved telling us good stories about his shenanigans, it doesn't surprise us that's how he went out.

The family is deeply grateful for his 87 active and mostly healthy years, his unshakable spirit, and the countless memories he leaves behind. He was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be dearly missed.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Joan of Chippewa Falls; their children, Rebecca (Christopher) Durham of Chippewa Falls, Susanne (Bill) Detienne of Victoria, MN, and Jeffrey (Kristi) Stockburger of Eau Claire; his six grandchildren, Nicholas, Zachary, and Joshua Durham, Matthew and Isabella Detienne, and Lauren Stockburger; and his brother, Tom (Joan) Stockburger of Rockford, IL. He is also remembered by many other loving relatives and friends whose lives were brightened by his presence.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 117 Allen St., Chippewa Falls, with visitation one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Fr. Daniel Sedlacek will officiate. Interment will be in St. Peter Catholic Cemetery, Tilden, with Military Honors conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council. Following the interment, family and friends are invited to gather for food and sharing stories at Loopy's Grill and Saloon, 10691 County Hwy X, Chippewa Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Notre Dame Catholic Church.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls, is serving the family. Memories and condolences may be shared online at pedersonvolker.com