Full Obituary

   Robert Stopka (85 years old) of Stanley, formerly of Chicago, passed away at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire, WI, June 24, 2026, with family at his side. 
   Born April 29, 1941, in Chicago, IL, Bob was the second son of Chester and Leona (Lukas) Stopka. He was raised and educated in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, and he played, loved and excelled at many sports while growing up. 
   At 17 years old, Bob joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for 3 years. The vast majority of his enlisted time was spent with a Marine Detachment Unit aboard the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La, visiting many ports around the world. After his service in the Marine Corps, Bob worked at Peoples Gas Co. in Chicago until his retirement in 1995. Over the years, he had worked his way up from laborer to management, with many roles in between. 
   Bob met and then married Bettie Kaczmarek in 1968. They had three children and raised them on the northwest side of Chicago. Shortly after his retirement from Peoples Gas, Bob and Bettie moved to Stanley, Wis., where Bettie's family was from. In Stanley, they developed many new friendships in the community and enjoyed being near extended family. Bob loved his children and grandchildren very much and was proud of all of them.  He loved fishing for crappie and bluegill on Otter Lake, playing cards and going on his “route” to meet, talk and watch sports with his many friends.
   He will be greatly missed by his family, especially his wife, Bettie, of 58 years (this July), daughter, Holly Tangeman, daughter, Lisa (Dave) Marek, and son, Robert A. Stopka. He will also be missed by his grandchildren: Jacob Marek, Zachary Marek, Reese Marek, Annie Tangeman, Gretchen Tangeman, Kirra Stopka and Hanna Stopka; his brother, James (Paula) Stopka; and many relatives, in-laws, nieces and nephews. 
   Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Leona, brother, Richard, and sister, Karen Conner.
   There will be a celebration of life announced at a later date.