Robert George Stabenow

Robert George Stabenow, 79, of Janesville, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 14, 1945, to George and LaVerne (Wegner) Stabenow, Bob graduated from high school in Dubuque. He attended the University of Dubuque, then earned his Masters of Science in Biology from the University of Iowa. Bob served in Vietnam as an artilleryman. After his return, he met and married Marilynn Jean Lingo at St. John Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls, on November 26, 1976.

Bob pursued many interests. He played competitive racquetball and softball on three continents. He photographed still photos of Iowa flowers and lions hunting wildebeest on the Serengeti. Between 1979 and 1992, he taught overseas in five countries, sharing his love of math, science, and social studies with thousands of students. He organized student trips to anthropological digs in Kenya, coached a national championship school softball team in Saudi Arabia, and travelled the world with his wife and children.  He loved shopping for deals, whether haggling with Bedouins in the remote desert, walking the markets in Hong Kong, or shopping online at his computer.  He loved to cook and spend time with his dogs. His biggest passion these last several decades, was following the Waterloo Black Hawks year-round. He attended every game that health permitted and travelled the continent supporting former players. He especially loved the annual Thanksgiving game. Go Hawks!

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Paul.  He is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years, Marilynn; son, Troy (Rebecca) Stabenow of Jefferson City MO; his daughter, Kari Stabenow of Janesville; granddaughters: Louisa, Christina, Sophia and Annika; sister, Marlene (Ray) Loecke of Des Moines; and extended family members, beloved friends and neighbors from around the world.

Bob's Family will host a Celebration of Life from 4-6:00 pm on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the University of Iowa Heart & Vascular Center, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in D.C. or to his family for a memorial bench at Young Arena.