Robert Lester Stibbe

Robert (Bob) Lester Stibbe, age 96, a life-long Janesville resident passed away at Milton Senior Living on Sunday May 31, 2026. He was born on December 29, 1929, in Richland Center, WI, the son of Lester and Cecile (Young) Stibbe. He graduated from Janesville High School in 1948.

Bob married Rosemary Jean Livick on November 25, 1950, in Edgerton, WI. They had four children - Tom, Jane, Carol, and Lisa. Bob was employed for many years as chief draftsman at Gibbs Manufacturing. He was also employed by Zirbel Engineering and retired from Warner Brake & Electric Company. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved fishing and deer hunting. In 1960 he helped his father build a cabin on Gull Lake near Hayward, WI. Being at the lake always brought him immense joy.

Bob Stibbe is survived by his children, Tom (Mary) Stibbe of Hayward, Jane Palumbo of Janesville, Carol (Bruce) Engebretson of Janesville, and Lisa (Scott) Crawford of Orlando, FL; grandchildren, Anthony (Jessica) Palumbo, Michael (Amanda) Palumbo, Chad (Bridget) Engebretson, Kathryn Engebretson, Nick Jackson, Shaylynn (Alex) Wall, Chloe Crawford; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Palumbo, Joey Palumbo, Francesca Palumbo, Reilly Engebretson, Briar Jackson, Summit Jackson, and twins Carson and Callan Wall; his sister, Harriet “Jean” Hanson; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary Jean Stibbe; parents, Lester and Cecile Stibbe; sister, Shirley Heinle; and great-granddaughter, Kaitlyn Palumbo.

Bob’s family appreciated the community, care and love provided while a resident at Milton Senior Living, especially from his preferred caregiver Jacob. Many nurses from Agrace Hospice lovingly supported and respected Bob through his journey, especially Leah and Sandy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bob’s name to Agrace Hospice.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., on Monday, June 8, 2026, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville. Pastor David Peterson will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Monday, June 8th at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences can be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.