Robert G Stakenas

Robert G. Stakenas died on January 4, 2018, at Westminster Oaks in Tallahassee, Florida. Survivors include Margaret L. Stakenas, his wife of over 56 years; his daughter Carol A. Stakenas (Jules Rochielle, spouse) of Brooklyn, New York; and son-in-law Borek Busta, of Olympia, Washington, the husband of Robert’s late daughter, Linda.

Bob Stakenas was born November 1, 1929, in Freesoil, Michigan to Anna and William Stakenas, dairy farmers. His oldest brother Raymond is deceased and his living brother, Edward, lives in Freesoil, Michigan. He has one niece and five nephews and several grand nieces and nephews.

Bob grew up in Michigan and received a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Michigan in 1955 and was a member of Delta Chi fraternity. He began his career as a band director. In 1961, he returned to the University where he earned a Ph.D. in the Joint Program in Education and Psychology with an emphasis in social psychology.

He began his career in higher education in Florida State University’s Department of Educational Research and Testing in 1965. He especially enjoyed working with students on their dissertation research. From 1980 - 1995, he served as Chair of the Florida State University’s Department of Education’s Standing Committee on Student Achievement whose task was to analyze College-Level Academic Skills Test data and make recommendations to improve student preparation for college. Bob retired as an emeritus professor after 32 years of service. He then volunteered at Shanks Middle School in Quincy, Florida, where he served on the School Advisory Council.

Bob and Margaret celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in 2017. They enjoyed going to the symphony, visiting family, and traveling the world. They visited many places including China, Italy, France, Great Britain, Eastern Europe, and Alaska. Having discovered the pleasures of digital photography, he especially enjoyed taking pictures on their trips and then producing slideshows to share with family and friends. Given this interest, he was affectionately referred to by the family as “Photo Bob.”

Bob was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Tallahassee. He was an elder, a trustee, and a member of several committees, which included the First Presbyterian Preschool Board, the Worship Council, the Property Council, and the Endowment and Gifts Plan Committee.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 10:00 am at First Presbyterian Church. A reception with the family will follow in the Westminster Room. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund, or to the Westminster Oaks Benevolent Assistance Fund.