Obituary of Robert Stafford

Robert "Bob" Lee Stafford April 4, 1933 August 22, 2009 Robert Lee Stafford, 76, of Yankee Street in Niles passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Saturday, August 22, 2009. Bob was born on April 4, 1933 to the late Weldon and Clara (Kline) Stafford in South Bend, Indiana. After Clara passed away Bob was raised by his father and Step-mother Marylou (Newton) Stafford. He was one of 6 children growing up in the Stafford household. After high school Bob joined the United States Navy where he proudly served for 4 years on the USS Leyte. In June of 1957 Bob wed the love of his life, Jacquelyn Wroblewski at a ceremony in Niles. Together they had 2 children. Bob retired from National standard after many years of dedicated service. When Bob wasn't working he could be found in his garden. He had one of the best manicured lawns in the area and was very proud of it but his number one passion was for his family. He was a great husband and loved his children and grandchildren like they were the only thing in the world. Bob was also a member of the American Legion Post 26. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles Stafford and sister Leila Seghers. Bob is survived by his wife of 52 years Jackie, son Robert "Rob" Jr. (Cathy) Stafford of Niles, Michigan, daughter Genevieve "Genny" Stafford-Koziel of Niles, Michigan, grandchildren Courtney Stafford of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Aaron Koziel of Buchanan, Ryan Koziel of Niles and Kelly Bishop of Spring, Texas and siblings Weldon (Mary) Stafford of Hollywood, Florida, Arlene (Ken) Hauser of Pembrook Park, Florida and Sue Cox of Carmel, Indiana. A time of visitation will be on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 from 12-1 p.m. with funeral services at 1 p.m. at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel in Niles. Chaplain Phil Apol from Hospice at Home will be officiating. Bob will be interred at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.