Dr Ralph Robert “Bob” Stackman

Dr. R.Robert Stackman was one seven surviving children to Clarence and Bessie (Cook) Stackman in South Bend, IN. At the age of 5, during the Great Depression, he and three of his siblings were placed in the Children’s Home where he would remain until he graduated from high school. He held several odd jobs until he decided to pursue a college education. He attended Ball State in Muncie, IN, meeting the love of his life, Joan McBride.

Joan taught elementary school in Indianapolis, Bob sold envelopes. After the premature death of her mother, the young couple returned home to the farm in Bluffton, IN. Bob went into poultry farming with his father-in-law. Joanie took care of her aging grandfather and taught nursery school in their home. Their 3 children were born in Bluffton. Susan (married to Rick Black, Grove City, PA), Linda (married to Gene Wentzel, Boyertown, PA) and Dr. William Stackman (Columbia, MO).

The family moved to Angola, IN, where Bob or Stack began his teaching career in US History. The family then moved to Lima, Ohio. Bob continued teaching and Joanie also taught. It was during this time Bob pursued his Master’s at Indiana University, Bloomington. On completion of hid Master’s, he moved his family to Michigan State where he completed a PhD.

Bob took a job at Slippery Rock University. Joanie taught kindergarten in the local school district. The couple developed many lifelong friends through activities such as golf, bowling and competitive Bridge games. The Paganos, Sledds, Biswangers, Duncans, Kuhrs and Shaws became regular guests.
Bob served as president of ABSCUF as well as staring the History honorary for students. He was a loved and sought after professor.

The couple retired to Phoenix, Joan, an only child followed after her father. They grew to love Arizona, eventually buying a home in Sun City. Bob enjoyed golfing, bowling, lawn bowling and ceramics. The couple also devoted time teaching English tomSpanish immigrants. They attended the Unitarian Universalist Church.

In their later years, they returned to a Senior Center to be near their daughter, Linda. Several of his grandchildren travelled to be with him the day he died. His older four grandsons travelled to Arizona before they returned to PA to accompany him to a ball game.

She is survived by her three children. Susan (husband Rick Black of Grove City), Linda (husband Gene Wentzel, Boyertown) and Dr. William Stackman, Colombia, MO. She is survived by seven grandchildren. Kyle Black (wife Kelly, Lancaster, PA), Seth (wife Katie Jo, Mt. Vernon, O), Alexandra Black Dick (husband Seth, Polk, PA), Michael Wentzel (Boyertown, PA), Scott Wentzel (wife Michelle, Benton Harbor, PA), Laurel McBride Stackman (Houston, TX) and Reed Stackman ( Bloomington, IN). She is also survived by 11 great-grandchildren. Aidan, Gannon, McKenna and Dempsey Black (Kyle and Kelly), Harper and Kennedy Black (Seth and Katie), Maricruz, Lachlan and Cillian Dick (Seth and Alexandra) and Brooklyn and Jack Wentzel (Scott and Michelle).

08/17/2022 EJS