Bob Stamper

Robert "Bob" C. Stamper, 63, of Cresco, IA, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, after a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the Brownsville Baseball Field, located on 7th Street, Brownsville, MN 55919. Memorial donations in Bob's memory may be made to the groups he attended in Alcoholics Anonymous of Waukon, IA. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is assisting the family.

Robert Carl Stamper was born on December 30, 1961, in Postville, IA, to Connie (Jones) and Jack Handgartner. He attended schools in Waukon, North Winneshiek, and Decorah, IA. On August 10, 2013, Bob was united in marriage to Cherie Fotheringham at the Good Samaritan Home, where his best friend—his grandfather—resided and proudly stood as their best man. It was a meaningful moment that reflected Bob's deep love for family and his generous spirit. From that day on, Bob became lovingly known as "Pa," a name he wore with pride—especially in the eyes of his grandchildren. Cherie, just as proudly, became "Ma," and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and family.

Over the years, Bob worked in a variety of roles, including positions with the railroad, Featherlite, Millennium Ag, Paris Foods, and most recently at Quandahl Farms. He took great pride in working with cattle and operating farm machinery. He was never afraid of hard work—something anyone who knew him could attest to.

Bob especially loved stock car racing, 80s rock music, shooting pool, and spending time with his family and friends. His grandchildren—Blake, Paisley, Myah, Rynlea, Paisley, Trinity, and Charlotte—held a very special place in his heart. Bob was well known for his signature peace sign, a warm and friendly hello to everyone he met.

He was a proud and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, where he found a second family and a sense of purpose. Bob cherished the support of his sponsors and fellow members and took great pride in his recovery journey. He especially enjoyed Wednesday card games with his Waukon AA group.

Bob also loved the outdoors. He and Cherie shared many joyful moments together attending tractor pulls, stock car races, and fishing trips—but some of his most treasured memories were made during visits to Brownsville, MN, where he spent time with his grandchildren.

Those left to honor and cherish Bob's memory include his loving wife Cherie Stamper of Cresco, IA; his son Danny Marlow; his daughter Ashley "Tweety" (Josh) Frana of Clayton, NY; stepson TJ (Cali) Fotheringham of Trinity, TX; and stepdaughter Chelsea (Austin) Dvorak of Brownsville, MN.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Lane Marlow, Blake and Paisley Frana, Myah and Rynlea Dvorak, and Paisley, Trinity, and Charlotte Fotheringham; his mother Connie Leuenberger of Decorah, IA; his sister Madonna (Daryl) DeKam of Castlewood, SD; brother John (Dawn) Mickey of Castlewood, SD; and many nieces and nephews who played a special role in his life: Khrista (Murray) Linnevold, Kerry (Craig) Ehlers, Mindy (Nathan) Haugenoe, Melissa (Steve) Sears, Jonas (Shaina) Exey, Jerrid Exey, Hannah Mickey, and James Mickey.

He will also be missed by his in-laws John and Margaret Shatek of Elma, IA; brother-in-law Kyle (Fawn) Shatek of Anamosa, IA; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Jack Handgartner; his stepfather Duane Leuenberger; his sister Sally Noland; his grandfather Carlton Jones; grandmother Helen Jones; nephew Jordan Exey; brother-in-law Karl Shatek; and several cherished dogs.