Lt. Col. Robert R. Stukas, USAF Retired, 98, of Kennebunk, passed peacefully on June 6, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on Oct. 5, 1924, to Leta (James) Stukas and Russell Stukas. Bob graduated from high school in Ventura, California, and began a long tenure of service to his country. He joined the U.S. Army Air Force in 1941, which became the U.S. Air Force in 1947. As a navigator, radar operator and bombardier of B-17s and then B-52s, he saw active duty in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. As his flight days drew to a close, he served in USAF operations and was responsible for planning and opening the Forward Tactical Base in French Morocco (1953) and Pease Air Force Base in Portsmouth, New Hampshire (1954-55). During the Vietnam War he was promoted and transferred into USAF Intelligence in 1967. He retired as a decorated Lt. Colonel from Westover Air Force Base, Chicopee, Massachusetts, in 1970.
Bob was extremely proud to serve his country. In retirement he loved sharing his experiences with friends, family, and anyone he met. If you stopped by the house to say hi, you knew you’d get to hear a few of his military stories over a cup of coffee. Go fishing with him and you’d hear a lot more. Of all his experiences while serving, however, his most rewarding was finding the woman he loved.
Bob met Louise Spinney in Eliot, Maine, in 1955, when he walked into a church and saw the woman of his dreams playing piano. They joyfully shared the next 67 years until his death. Together they had two daughters while stationed in Glasgow, Montana: Karen (Sadler) and Janet (Thurston).
He began a second career by earning a BSBA degree from American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts, and subsequently created a successful real estate and insurance company in southern Maine. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, hunting and growing vegetables.
Bob lived with integrity and compassion. He was strong willed and stubborn at times, yet he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. His treasured his family and cherished his faith. He loved his church family and attending Sunday services. He was generous, loyal and hardworking. When his time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength and grace. He will forever be missed by those who knew and loved him.
Bob is survived by his wife, Louise, daughters Karen Sadler of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Janet (Dana) Thurston of Raymond, Maine, granddaughter Katie Sadler of Boston, and brother Richard Stukas of Las Vegas. He was predeceased by his parents, brothers Wilfred Stukas and Donald Stukas, and his beloved grandson, Michael Sadler.
A visitation to celebrate Bob’s life will be held 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, June 19, 2023, at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Eliot. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kennebunk Baptist Church, P.O. Box 396, Kennebunk, ME 04043 or In-Home Senior Services, 7 Railroad Ave., Suite 220, Gorham, ME 04038. To leave a message of condolence, please visit Bob’s Book of Memories at www.bibberfuneral.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk.
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