Ross Stoppenbach

SOLDIERS GROVE Ross Paul Stoppenbach, age 71 of Soldiers Grove, died Thursday June 1, 2017. Ross was born in Richland Center to Paul and Gyneth (Fish) Stoppenbach on February 8, 1946. He graduated from Wauwatosa High School and after starting college served his country in the U.S. Air Force for four years earning the rank of staff sergeant. When he finished his tour of duty he settled back down to complete his degree getting his BA in business from UW Whitewater. Upon graduating he went to work for Wisconsin Steel and Tube; first as a driver for 18 years followed up with 18 more years as their purchasing agent. While raising his children he found time to enjoy life. He loved motor cycles especially when his stepson Vince got involved in Motocross. He took the family boating, first on a smaller 28-footer so everyone learned how to fish and enjoy waterskiing on the Pestigo River, and later on the big boat, a 36-foot cabin cruiser with sleeping berths and all the amenities for entertaining business clients as well. He enjoyed trips to the cabin where he would go squirrel and deer hunting with his dad. Ross was a great mechanic. He would fix cars for friends that needed a hand. He, like his dad, loved to tinker with small engine repairs, which let to his love of refurbishing old tractors. But he had a real knack for refinishing furniture all throughout the house. He even went so far as to take an addition college course to learn the trade-craft of upholstering furniture. But of all the hobbies and interests everything took a backseat for the love of his life Roberta (Adams) Phifer whom he married in Wauwatosa on January 20, 1979. He was Robbies "Babycakes". Ross is survived by: his wife Roberta, his daughters Debra (Chad) Burks, and Amy (Eric) Gajeski, his stepson Vincent (Karrie) Phifer, his grandchildren Heather, Brianna, Jacob, Allison, Brett, Zachary and Marcus. He is further survived by: his sister Virginia Konkel and cousin Mary Libert as well as nieces and other family members. He was preceded in death by: his parents and a granddaughter Nicole Kathleen Phifer. Ross love of life and sense of humor will be greatly missed. A funeral service for Ross will be held Wednesday June 7, 2017 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 504 S. Main St. in Viroqua at 11:00 A.M. Pastor Yvonne Marshall will officiate. Military Honors will be presented at the church following the service. Burial at North Clayton Cemetery will follow. Friends may call during a visitation Tuesday June 6, 2017 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker St. in Viroqua, also at the church Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. one hour before the funeral service. In lieu of flowers or plants memorials may be directed to Good Shepherd Lutheran Churchs "Men at Work" projects. On-line condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig Funeral Homes of Gays Mills and Viroqua are serving the family.