Robert D. "Bob" Stauffer

Robert D. Stauffer, age 73, of Manitowoc, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning, August 17, 2025, at his residence.

Bob was born in Canton, Illinois, on November 10, 1951, to Jack and Mildred Stauffer. He graduated from Hamilton High School in Milwaukee with the class of 1970. On September 14, 1973, he was united in marriage to Cora Smarella at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in West Allis. Together, they shared 51 wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with three loving children: Nicole, Joe, and Beth, along with ten beautiful grandchildren. Family was everything to Bob—his heart was full whenever he was surrounded by those he loved most. He treasured the laughter, the stories, and the simple moments spent with his children and grandchildren, they were his greatest joy and purpose in life.

Bob began his career with Radio Shack Corporation, where he earned his coveted leadership ring and discovered his lifelong passion for electronics. He later founded Marquette Carpet Cleaning, but his heart remained in the electronics world. That calling led him to move his family to Two Rivers, where he opened his own Radio Shack dealership. Bob proudly owned and operated Riverview Electronics until his retirement.

Beyond his career in electronics, Bob found joy in the world of film and performance. He worked as a projectionist at The Strand and Marcus Theatres, where he took great pride in bringing stories to life on the big screen. His appreciation for theatre and cinema was something he carried throughout his life, and he delighted in sharing that joy with his family and friends.

Bob was also deeply committed to his community as a longtime member of the Two Rivers Kiwanis Club, serving as club secretary for 25 years and District Lieutenant Governor for 2 years. His dedication was honored with the prestigious George F. Hixson Fellowship Award, and his service left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Music was another of Bob’s passions. While raising his children, he operated a D.J. business, where he shared his love of music at high school dances, weddings, and community events—often alongside his son Joe and his dear friend Scott Sherman.

Bob is survived by his wife, Cora Stauffer; three children: Nicole (Rick) Kornowski; Joseph (Sara) Stauffer; and Beth Van Der Walt (fiancé, Jeremy Holland); his grandchildren: Kayla Hartter (partner, Zach), Allison (Jared) Bursik, Elayna Hartter (partner, Nick), Grady Boland, Samuel Stauffer (partner, Taylor), Elijah Stauffer, and Elin Holland; his bonus grandchildren: Jacqueline Kornowski, Brooklyn Kornowski, Luke Holland and Eli Anderson. He is further survived by two sisters: Beverly (David) O’Black and Kris Vogelar; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Tom (Sharon) Smarella, Terry (Shelley) Butterfield, and Jeff (Kerry) Luecht; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Stauffer; his mother, Mildred Wagner; brother, David Stauffer; father and mother-in-law: Nick and Geri Smarella; one nephew, Brian Smarella; and dear friends, Scott Sherman and Carol Bloedorn.

A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held at the Manitowoc Maritime Museum on Friday, September 5. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by a short service at 6:00 p.m., and then a time of reflection and sharing of memories. The family invites anyone to share a favorite memory during the gathering, or to write one down to leave with them. Light food and refreshments will be available.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob’s name to Camp Wabek (eastersealswisconsin.com). Through his work with the Kiwanis Club, Bob was dedicated to supporting the camp and helping bring joy and opportunity to children in need. Deja Martin will be assisting the Stauffer family with arrangements. Online condolence messages may be shared at www.dejamartin.com.

Bob’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the caregivers of Sharon Richardson Hospice and Manitowoc Health and Rehabilitation Center for the wonderful care and support they provided during his final journey, and to all those who lifted Bob and his family up in prayer.