Robert A Staehle

Robert Arthur Staehle, 66 and Laura Joan (Ramsier) Staehle, 66 Robert Arthur Staehle, a retired Major for the USF State Police Department of Tampa, Florida and his wife of 44 years, Laura Joan Staehle, a retired elementary school teacher, passed away in a tragic and sudden car accident on Route 301 near Dead River Road in Thonotosassa on Wednesday, October 12, 2016. Robert Arthur Staehle was born on May 14, 1950 in Springfield, New Jersey to Audrey (Rogers) Staehle and Arthur Staehle. Bob Staehle, as he was known to his family and friends, was a Police Major for the USF State Police Department for 30 years and worked with survivors of violent crime and victim advocates. Major Staehle was instrumental in improving laws and rights for stalking, domestic violence, and sex trafficking victims. Major Staehle also was a police instructor in many agencies across the country and in Central America . He implemented programs for safe environmental design to help contractors and neighborhoods decrease their crime rates through smarter planning. Bob was a Police Officer at the University of Akron Police Department from 1972 to 1980. He graduated from Jonathan Dayton High school, Springfield, New Jersey in 1968. He graduated from the University of Akron with an Associates Degree in Applied Science in 1979. He loved history, everything to do with flying, aeronautics and roller coasters. He enjoyed nature, animals (especially the silly ones), painting, sculpting, boating, and children. He was an accomplished surrealist painter and sculptor and did many commissioned art pieces. He fully illustrated a children’s book written by his wife, Joan. He helped in many charities and did missionary work both abroad and in Florida. He was a devote Christian that was very involved with his church and his faith. Laura Joan Staehle, was born on March 20, 1950 in Lodi, Ohio to Laura (McComas) Ramsier and Ben Ramsier. Joan, as she was known to her family and friends, was a retired elementary school teacher who taught at Shaw Elementary School, Tampa Palms Elementary School and Wee World Pre-School. She also was a care giver and tutored both exceptionally gifted children and children with special needs. Joan Graduated from Norwayne High School, Wayne County, Ohio in 1968. She graduated from Akron University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1974 and later received her Masters Degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. Mrs. Staehle was a prolific writer and wrote fiction, short stories poems, and children’s books. She loved making arts and crafts. She sold her jewelry and crafts she made at art shows and on Etsy. Joan loved traveling, nature, gardening, sewing, antiques, her family and friends, and chronicling her family history. She was a devote Christian, and active in her church. Bob and Joan were married on January 15, 1972 in Rittman, Ohio. Bob and Joan were the picture of being in love. They were best friends and almost inseparable. They had a wonderful knack for finding the glass full in any situation. Both Bob and Joan had great senses of humor, and truly loved life. They both had the uncanny ability to reach and connect with people in a unique way. Both Bob and Joan were active in a menagerie of political organizations, petitioning, changing many laws for safer zoning, safer building codes, and human rights. They firmly believed if there was something wrong, it was their job to fix it. Bob and Joan were both full of love for their family, friends and each other. They were currently active members of Sojourner Presbyterian Church of Temple Terrace but had been long time members and still involved with mission work through Global Community Church, Idlewild Baptist Church and First Baptist Church of Temple Terrace, each of which they had attended for many years. Bob and Joan were key members of the Seafarers Ministries of Tampa Bay, Friends of Internationals and had also assisted with many foreign exchange programs, as well as helping with holiday programs for homeless and migrant workers. They were involved in politics and active in more organizations than can be listed. They enjoyed traveling the world or just finding the adventures and exploring the world around them wherever they were. They made the world a better place and they will be missed . . . by so many. They are survived by: 2 children, Matt (Annette) Staehle, Launa (Mark White) Staehle; Grandchild, Penelope Staehle; Bob’s Sister Jane Staehle; Joan’s three siblings Alice (Bob) Gillman, John Ramsier and Randy (Beth) Sandifer; Their many godchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends. The services for Bob and Joan Staehle are going to be as follows: On Friday October 21, 2016 there will be a visitation: Location: Blount and Curry Terrace Oaks Chapel Dignity Memorial and Funeral Home 12690 N. 56th Street, Temple Terrace, FL. 33617 Time: 6pm-9pm 813-988-9200 & On Saturday October 22, 2016 the funeral will be held: Location: Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church 350 S. Hyde Park Ave., Tampa, FL. 33606 813-259-3500 Times: Visitation, seating: 10-11am Funeral Service: 11am-12pm Visitation/Reception: 12pm-2pm Family Departs to Burial Site at 2pm The Burial will be for immediate family only. Their graves will be at Sunset Memory Gardens 11005 US Highway 301 North, Thonotosassa, FL. 33592 813-986-2402 (We ask, out of respect for the family, that the gave site remain closed to the public until Monday, October 24, 2016) Phillipians 4:4-8