Robert Stangland

Robert Stangland will be remembered for his passion for farming, his impeccable work ethic, and his fun-loving sense of humor, but it will be his role as the loving patriarch of his family that will be his lasting legacy. He spent nearly his entire lifetime in the community he loved, impacting the lives of numerous others who were near. Bob was deeply devoted to his family and was thrilled beyond measure to witness his family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren he treasured. As his family and friends can attest, he told the best stories, often with a sparkle in his eye. Bob was an extraordinary man who will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

The Roaring Twenties were a time to celebrate in America as innovation was taking us places we had never been, and nearly the entire decade was covered in prosperity from coast to coast. Radios, more affordable cars, and inventions such as the washing machine and refrigerator were signs on the time while baseball legends Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth breathed new life into the game of baseball. It was during this exciting time in the world around them that James and Grace (Mohn) Stangland were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on February 21, 1925, in Jefferson Township, Indiana. He was one of three children in his family, raised alongside his sisters, Ruth and Dorothy. Bob was proud of his rich Norwegian heritage that included family members who had come to America on a sloop sailboat in 1826. He was part of the fourth generation to be living in this country.

In 1928 the Stangland family purchased a farm in Troy Township, which would be the place Bob would call home for the 80 years that followed. He attended Troy Township School and went on to Larwill High School where he excelled in both track and basketball. Bob was even a state qualifier in the 100 yard dash. Bob graduated with the class of 1943.

New and exciting changes were in store for Bob when he met the love of his life as a young man. Her name was Waundean Hile, and they were set up on a blind date by Bob’s friend. After dating for a time, the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Bob and Waundean were united in marriage on June 9, 1945, at the Christian Chapel Church in Merriam. They were inseparable for the following 69 years and were blessed to welcome four children into their hearts and home: Glenn, Norm, Dean, and Kathy. Bob was a devoted father who was a great role model for his children.

Throughout the majority of his life Bob worked tirelessly. He was genuinely passionate about farming, and it was always his first love. As a young adult he drove a school bus, picking up students from the Etna-Troy area to bring them into Columbia City. Bob would then go work at the Columbia Grain and Feed Elevator. After school he took the kids back home before finally getting back home to get to work on his farm. Bob had milking cows and grew his own produce that he sold to the local grocery stores. He kept this schedule in the sixties and then worked full-time at the Raber Co-Op. Bob always had Farmall Tractors from his F-12 up to his Super M, which he purchased in the mid-sixties and still has to this day. Even after retiring from Raber Co-Op in 1990 he continued to raise cattle.

Although Bob wasn’t one to have much free time as his life revolved around his family and his farm, he did enjoy a few interests. As someone who highly valued extended family, he never missed the Stangland reunion that was held every year on the Fourth of July. When his family grew to include grandchildren Bob was overjoyed, and he was their biggest fan in everything they did. He came to watch them in their activities and sporting events whenever he could. Bob did enjoy watching college basketball when he got the chance. Once he got a satellite on his farm he often stayed up late to take in the West Coast college games. It is not surprising that Bob loved anything outdoors and had a special place in his heart for animals - although he hated snakes.

Later in life Bob continued to embrace the days he was given. He and Waundean moved to Columbia City in the early 2000s where he spent the remainder of his days. Bob was a man of faith who attended West Point United Methodist Church for years. Just this past September Bob was deeply saddened with the death of his beloved wife.

With unending devotion to his family, Robert Stangland was a gift to all who knew and loved him. He was never one to worry about the things he had, rather, he just focused on working hard and appreciating every day he was given. Bob was a great story teller who entertained everyone at the elevator on a daily basis, and his zest for life was contagious. He will never be forgotten.

Robert Stangland, of Columbia City, Indiana, died at 1:12 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2014. Bob’s family includes his children, Glenn Stangland of Atlanta, GA, Norm Stangland of East Lansing, MI, Dean (Jodi) Stangland of Columbia City, and Kathy (Mark) Bleeke of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Tamara, Tiffany, Tara, Chad, Heather, Travis, and Craig; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In addition to Waundean and his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth Orcutt and Dorothy Stangland. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, from 4-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 17, 2014, at the funeral home with Rev. Lois Cannon officiating. Burial will follow at Christian Chapel Cemetery where Bob and Waundean will again be together. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Alzheimer's Association or the charity of their choice. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to view Robert's life story.