Robert Stinchfield

Robert (Tag) Stinchfield Robert “Tag” Stinchfield, 95, passed away peacefully at his Billings home after a long illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Marcelline, and all his kids. Rosary and sharing memories will be at 6:00 PM, Monday, July 24th at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 25th at 11 AM, at St. Pius Catholic Church.

Robert Vernon Stinchfield was born on March 23rd, 1928, in the quiet farming community of Bowman, North Dakota to Mark Glidden Stinchfield and Marion Jane (Cunningham) Stinchfield. Dad had five siblings and twin sisters -Dorthy and Doris, brothers George, and Kenneth, and his brother Joseph. who is his last living sibling.

Being born months before the Great Depression started, which led to a hardscrabble life on their small farm. As Dad said, “Yes, we were poor but so was everyone else.” As children, he regaled us with what a treat it was carrying radish sandwiches in his lunch pail to the one-room schoolhouse he and his siblings attended. The walk was far, and he and Joe knocked each other into the ditch all the way. Dad being, the youngest, loved to “tag along” behind the older kids earning him the nickname “Tag” which he carried to this day.

We think this illustrates the character of our father. Dad told a story of being at the local pool hall when he was 15 and finding a $20 bill on the floor (at that time a week's wages or more for a working man.) He immediately took it to the bartender who thought Dad was nuts to even turn it in. “I will put it behind the bar, Tag,” he said, “ but if no one asks about it by tomorrow, I am gonna let you know to come and get it”. No one came to ask about it. Dad reluctantly took the windfall but worried about the poor person who had lost it.

After graduating from high school, he worked different jobs at the grocery store and cooking at Gene's Cafe in Bowman to help support his parents. In September 1950 was drafted into the army and sent to Korea. A small-town boy who had really not traveled much Dad told of waves as tall as buildings slamming the troop's ship. All but a lucky few were sick all the way over. Dad was not lucky. He was also assigned to the North Korean POW camp in Koje when a brigadier general was taken hostage and pulled into the prisoner compound. “Even the cooks were armed 24 hours a day”. His discharge came in February 1957.

While at a baby shower for his brother Kenneth's wife Liz, he met her cousin, a tiny auburn-haired farm girl named Marce, who was working at Bowman Hospital. Smitten, she became his “best gal” and on January 10, 1956, they were married at St. Charles Catholic Church. It was a Monday to accommodate all the farmers. Mom says if Dad had been a farmer, she would have had nothing to do with him!

in June 1957, their first child Gary Robert was born. Doris Ann-Ann, October 1958, Lorrie Marie February 1960, Sheryl Lynn April 1963, Thomas Mark April 1964 (yes, one year to the day), and Janel Renee December 1965.

Dad's career with Sweetheart Bakery led him to a supervisor position that required hours on the road and relocating every 6 months - to Baker, MT; Aberdeen, SD; Casper, WY, and then to Billings. In 1963, Gary was about to start school and Mom said she didn't want to move again. That year they purchased the home on Miles Avenue where they lived to this day. They absolutely hit the lottery of fantastic friends and neighbors in our Miles Community. With this final move, Dad went into sales with Sweetheart, a position he occupied for 35 years, retiring in 1988.

Dad was known for his dry sense of humor which his kids and co-workers appreciated - Mom only to a small degree. He could deliver a one-liner like no other. We have fond memories of Mom and Dad dancing at the KC Hall and Moose Lodge.

Not too many folks are blessed with 35 years of retirement, but Dad took advantage of the time to travel to the ocean with Mom and Sheryl and to visit friends and relatives in Bowman and an annual road trip to Arizona. He even road-tripped to a Tom Petty concert with his granddaughter, Amanda. He loved his garden flowers and liked his yard bursting with color. He used old tea kettles, failed clay pots, barrels, you name it. We joked “Don't put your glass down or Dad will plant something in it.” He made himself a mancave in the garage with a recliner, heater, and 8 tracks of his favorite artists. Dad also enjoyed refinishing wood furniture and did many pieces for his kids. (And when we say pieces, some were in pieces and missing parts.) He also enjoyed sneaking off to a casino to play a quick $20 during mom's naptime.

Dad was not a sports guy but showed up to every event for his kids and many grandkids to show support. He fulfilled a bucket list item with a trip to Alaska with his son, Tom, son-in-law, Tim, and grandson, Tony.

Our Dad was a great man of faith and a devout Catholic all his life. He was a great believer in the power and meditation of the Rosary and could be found sitting in his recliner using his pocket, Rosary. When we were kids, he would shut the T.V. off and lead us to the Rosary as we knelt around the living room. He was a believer in caring for others, visiting the elderly, and helping them care for their homes.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents and all his siblings except Joe, and his oldest son, Gary, daughter-in-law Jolene, and grandson, Travis.

He is survived by his wife, Marcelline (Steier) Stinchfield, and his children: Doris (Tim) Stricker, Lorrie Stinchfield, Sheryl Stinchfield, Tom (Sharon) Stinchfield, and Janel (Troy) Wangsness. His brother Joe Stinchfield. And grandchildren Tony (Morgan)Stricker, Mark (Nikki) Stricker, Amanda (Mike) Driskell; Robbie (Sadie) Stinchfield; Rebecca (Austin) Oblander; Montana Wangsness and Alexandra Wangsness. And Great Grandchildren Kennedy, Kallyn, Thorsen Stricker, and Jaxon Stinchfield. And numerous brothers & sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

We are going to miss him more than words can say. Our family is very grateful to Riverstone Hospice and the extraordinary care from Nurse Linda Hampton and the crew. Thank you, Jesus, for calling him home and ending his suffering. Dad, we look forward to seeing you in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Riverstone Hospice