He was born on March 20, 1934 to the late Louise and Paul Stadnik. Robert was a lifelong resident of Columbus, Georgia. He was married to the late Judith Brawner Stadnik. He faithfully served his country with the United States Army for five years. Robert retired as Vice President from Coleman American Moving Services with over 40 years of service managing multiple branch offices throughout the southeast. He was completely dedicated to his work and created many lifelong friendships along the way.
He was strong and physically active and worked long and hard at any task he set his mind to. He loved the outdoors and could be found working (or overworking) in his yard all year long. He had recently planted a beautiful garden full of vegetables and was on his knees pulling weeds just a few days before he passed. Friends and family would constantly pass by his house, blow the horn and wave, or stop by to visit “Pop” when they would see him outside working.
In his earlier years, one of his favorite pastimes was fishing and he could outlast or outfish anyone else in the boat. He also loved to grill and could cook the most delicious ribs, Boston butts, sausage, or steaks around.
Robert was known for his large personality and could tell a story or joke that, at times, would be never-ending. He never met a stranger, and he flirted with every female he encountered, including the nursing staff during his very last hours in the hospital.
He was a handyman who loved to tinker and could fix just about anything. Over the years his friends and family would call him when something would break, or if they needed help with anything around the house, and he would be there no matter what.
Pop loved his family with all he had and showed it in countless ways. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten, but is resting now peacefully in his heavenly home, reunited with his heavenly family.
A visitation for family and friends for Robert will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM in Edgewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia 31907. Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM with Reverend Ricky Lipp officiating.
Robert will be laid to rest in Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Rd, Columbus, GA 31907-2211.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice.
He is survived by his longtime companion Maynell Conner; his daughters: Rebecca S. Whitaker and Debra S. (Mark) Payne; his son Uwe (Martina) Stephan; his grandchildren: DeLisa Wray, Robyn Cook, Eric Stephan, and Isabell Scharf; his great-grandchildren: Meghan Wray, Jake Wray, Audrey Cook, Xaver Scharf, and Ludwig Scharf; and numerous other family members and friends. Robert was preceded in death by his parents Louise Powell Stadnik and Paul Stadnik; his wife Judith B. Stadnik; and his siblings Paul Stadnik, Joseph Stadnik, and Agnes Dupriest.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Stadnik family.
