Stinson, Robert Regan

Robert Regan Stinson, 44, of Shellsburg, died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids following a strong fight against cancer. Per his wishes, his body has been cremated. A gathering to remember Bob will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Wildcat Country Club, 100 Wildcat Trail SW, Shellsburg. The Cremation Society of Eastern-Central-Western Iowa is assisting with arrangements.

Survivors include his wife, Valerie of Shellsburg; two sons, Robert and Stephen; his mother, Frances Stinson; and sister, Karen Stinson of Keosauqua.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert; and a brother, Richard “Dick” Stinson.

Bob Stinson was born Jan. 8, 1965, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Robert and Frances (Korbel) Stinson. He married Valerie Dahm on July 1, 1988, in Cedar Rapids. They have been blessed with two boys, Robert and Stephen, both still at home.

Bob graduated from Shellsburg in 1983. He then went on to graduate from the University of Northern Iowa, with an industrial engineering degree. Before beginning his career at Rockwell, he worked at Ideal Industries in Vinton, Shellsburg Frame and Axle and DuPont Chemicals. While at Rockwell he worked maintenance for seven years and then moved to facilities where he was overlooking all HVAC, liquid nitrogen and job planning.

Bob had completed several study courses that enabled him to be knowledgeable in most any situation. He was a hazardous material team member, OSHA certified and NICET II. It was his belief a person could not be too prepared for anything.

When Bob wasn't helping someone or solving an issue, he enjoyed spending time with his two boys. They spent their time operating the family business, Stinson Enterprises, using the skid-loaders and dump truck to do excavating jobs. Playing in the dirt was something they all enjoyed. Bob's skills also found him wrenching on things. He restored and rebuilt cars, trucks and machinery. Most will remember Bob's Mustang collection. Winter passions included snowboarding and skiing with his best friend Paul.

His “extended family” of friends is too large to mention. Bob respected and appreciated everyone he knew. He will be missed by many; losing Bob is a great loss.

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