Werner Lee Stalbaum

Werner Stalbaum, 88, of Austin, TX passed away on Monday, June 29, 2020 while a resident at Sagebrook Senior Health Center. He was born in Bellville, TX on December 1, 1931. Werner graduated from Bellville High School in 1949. He was married to his high school sweetheart; “the love of his life”, Margie Dean Rinn on November 11, 1950. Werner worked as a commissioned salesman for the majority of his professional career selling industrial fastener products. He was a dedicated and loyal employee of Tifco Industries for 50 years and received many awards and recognitions throughout those 50 years. One of the things he, and our mom, Margie looked forward to every year was the annual banquet that Tifco would provide for their top salespeople – always an incentive for him to get out there and make those sales!

Dad enjoyed first and foremost being a husband to our Mom, Margie - he loved her like no other and treated her like a woman should be treated. Their marriage wasn’t always perfect, but I am certain that is why they stay married for 69 years – they knew how to work through the difficult times but always ended up loving each other. Their marriage has been a true testament and example to their children and their grandchildren. Dad also enjoyed first and foremost his family - he loved his family with his whole being – never missed a school function of his 5 kids (unless he was traveling for his job) and attended as many of his grandchildren’s functions as possible. To his 5 children; he was a strict disciplinarian when it was needed but was also the kindest and most loving dad around – which together with our mom, is why the 5 of us turned out pretty darn good. He would do and did do anything that his children needed – he never told any of us “no” when we needed help. He loved large family gatherings – nothing made him happier than when he was surrounded by his kids, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Dad also loved barbequing; making his traditional eggnog during our family Christmas Eve gatherings; gardening; each of his and mom’s pet dogs throughout the years – especially their last one Suzy Q; sitting outside; horse racing; football; laughing; being funny (or trying to); and he loved his beer! By far, Dad’s most favorite holiday was April Fool’s Day. As kids growing up, you knew you better be on your toes, because Dad was going to get you. He and one of his grandsons, Michael, who lived across the street during his teenage years would do some quite elaborate April Fool’s jokes on each other -of which they still laughed about up until Dad’s memory started fading more rapidly. Dad was loved by anyone and everyone who met him. There was not one of our friends while growing up who didn’t love our Dad – “Mr. Stalbaum”. What are we going to do without you Dad?

Dad, it has already been so apparent that you are right back to taking care of your family and especially mom, now that you are free from the cruel chains of Dementia – from the bright red Cardinal that appeared on Angela’s fence just as she was walking out the door to tell Mom the news of your passing to you leading Angela right to your dentures (WINK! WINK!) to the call that came telling us that Mom would be released from quarantine allowing us to finally be able to surround her with love and comfort – this was all YOU Dad, always taking care of your family, especially Mom – the love of your life.

The family would like to give a very, very special thanks to Rosa Hasselberg, who cared for both Dad and Mom for 3 years until we were forced to move them to a nursing home facility. She gave so much of herself to provide them both loving and compassionate care. The family would also like to thank Encompass Hospice for the loving care provided to Dad (and our entire family) for almost a year – a special recognition to Julian Rodriguez – you know you are Angela’s special angel for the love you gave to our Dad. And last, but certainly not least a very special thank you to Sagebrook Senior Health Center for the loving care provided to Dad during the last 6 months of Dad’s life. Thank you for allowing several of Dad’s family to be able to visit him during what turned out to be the last few hours of his life – even during the Covid restrictions; you showed such compassion by allowing his family to love on him one final time.

Dad, it’s time to go and rest high on that mountain…..your work on earth is done….but we know you are our special angel in heaven now and looking out for us all…especially Mom. I’m sure it’s “Beer Thirty” in heaven like it is on earth. We will all have a cold one in your honor.

Werner is survived by Margie Stalbaum, his wife of 69 years; five children – Debbie Stratton (Mike); Robert Stalbaum, Sr.(Debbie); Stephen Stalbaum (Janet); Angela Stalbaum (Moe); Darren Stalbaum (Kassie). Eleven Grandchildren – Serena Bumpus (Ross); Michael “Corky” Stratton (Andi); Robert Stalbaum, Jr. (Jennifer); Meaghan Stalbaum; Jennifer Feldman (Brook); Racheal Benitez (Michael); Alisha Hobson (Denny); Casey Barone (Matt); Brandon Knapp; Austin Stalbaum; Sydney Stalbaum. Also survived and loved by 16 great grandchildren. Last but not least, he is survived by 2 nieces and 2 nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father; and his two siblings.

A viewing will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, July 7 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery; 14501 North Ih-35; Pflugerville, TX. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am. Although the family would love for as many of you to attend as possible; we also understand if you are unable to attend given the current Covid concerns – we know you are holding us all in your hearts and lifting us in prayers. If you do attend; we ask that you bring a mask and plan on practicing social distancing.