Robert David Stapelman

A loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Robert was born June 7, 1936, in Lansing, Michigan to Henry and Mary (Schrauben) Stapelman. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Lansing and Michigan State University, and served with the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir in Virginia.

Robert lived most of his life in the Lansing area. In his youth, he enjoyed golf and bowling after school, and worked a paper route for the Lansing State Journal.

In 1980, Robert married his much loved, loving and caring wife, Sondra. Together they enjoyed golf and travel, and above all spending time with family. They often combined golf and travel, enjoying many courses in northern Michigan, as well as Hilton Head Island, Tennessee, Florida, the Bahamas, California and Oregon. They enjoyed ocean and river cruises, and spent some time in Europe where Italy was a particularly special destination.

Following a nearly 50-year career in financial services that began with Merrill Lynch, Robert retired from Morgan Stanley in 2007. Robert was a member of the Rotary Club of Lansing, various homeowner associations, Grand Ledge Country Club, Owosso Country Club, and Forest Akers Golf Club. He served in various capacities at Saint Mary Catholic Church of Williamston and St. Isidore Catholic Church in Laingsburg. These activities were all special to him and provided an opportunity to promote confidence, integrity and goodwill.

Robert is predeceased by his parents, sister Joyce Mitchell, brother Richard Stapelman, nephew David Mitchell and nephew Scott Mitchell. He is survived by his wife, children Daniel Stapelman of Royal Oak, Michigan, Michael (Melanie) Stapelman of Grand Haven, Michigan, Anne-Marie (David) Corredor of Costa Rica, and Matthew (Julie) Wright of Portland, Oregon; step-children John (Michelle) Wright, of Pinckney, Michigan and Joseph (Michelle) Wright of Lansing, Michigan; grandchildren Katie, Kelly, Ryan Leigh, Maggie, Brandon and Nia; step-granddaughter Casey (Jacob Kraus) Wright of Jersey City, New Jersey; brother Mark (Penny) Stapelman of Holt, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.

Robert was a man of strong faith. He was always aware of how blessed he was and spoke often of this. He had many relationships and sought to maintain them throughout the years. He was a loyal friend and will be missed, especially by his wife, Sondra.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Lansing Chapel, 900 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with the Rosary prayed at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 2, 2022, at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 157 High Street, Williamston, MI.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Richard Hensen, Jerry Zimmerman, Ronald Miersen and Fred Ignatovich. Casket bearers are Donald Goodknecht, Ian Mandernack, Erik Morse, Patrick Morse, Randy Williams, and John Wyman.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Robert's memory be made to the American Heart Association of Michigan.