Robert W. Stier

Robert William Stier, age 87, died Wednesday night at Northern Dutchess Hospital on January 15, 2025 after a short illness. Born in Hudson NY, April 12, 1937, the son of the late William B. Stier and Freda E. Hofmann. He was a lifelong resident of Columbia County, NY— Germantown and Elizaville, respectively. Bob graduated from Germantown Central School in 1954. After studying history at the State University of New York at Albany, he joined the United States Army in 1957 and served at the Pentagon during the Vietnam War as a Specialist SP4 E4 (T). He was honorably discharged in 1959 and served in the Army Reserve until 1963. Bob worked both in-office and outside sales for the majority of his 30+ year professional career with Schatz Federal Bearing in Poughkeepsie and Bruening Bearing out of Albany. After retiring from the road, he worked part-time as a security guard at Bard College for an additional 20 years. He officially retired in 2018. He married Ellen Bernice Vosburgh on January 22, 1961 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Manorton, Columbia County, New York. They were blessed with three sons and he loved his family and was a loving and devoted father and grandfather, attending their sporting events, recitals, and plays. He always made time for family vacations together on Cape Cod and Myrtle Beach and for hosting family and friends for gatherings — making everyone feel welcome and special at the Stier house. In retirement, he most enjoyed spending time with his beloved wife, Ellen, traveling the world, taking many cruises and making the most of their life together. He was a huge NY Football Giants sports fan, an avid golfer (first hole-in-one when he was 80 years old), and always enjoyed a day at the races and a good casino night. To counter the two latter vices, he was a volunteer member of the Southern Columbia Ambulance Squad as a driver and EMT for many years and an active church member and loved volunteering at annual church functions. Bob was known for his kind and gentle spirit and great sense of humor and for his ability to create playful moments and humorous inside jokes. He was a master at causing both smiles and groans simultaneously with his classic Dad jokes, puns and limericks, which endeared him to all who had the pleasure of spending time with him. He had a curious and inventive mind and loved to tinker. A master of reuse and recycle, he created quite an array of handy tools made out of items headed for the waste bin. His infamous “Crake” (crutch & rake combo) and “The Crane” (crutch & cane combo) and various canes made out of old golf clubs and plumbing insulation were very impressive to say the least. You may have grown up with Bob or maybe he was your work colleague or a fellow church member. You may have met him sipping a Boompah at the brewery at Vosburgh or sharing your table during one of their events and struck up a conversation. Most can agree that he always had something interesting and clever to add, was a thoughtful listener and most likely made an indelible impression. He loved greatly, was greatly loved, and he will be missed. Rest in peace, Bob. Your memory will live on in the hearts of those who shared countless “rounds” of fun with you. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Ellen Bernice Vosburgh; his son Robert W. Stier, Jr. (Mary) of Fairfield, Ohio; his sister Gretchen Stier-Brodish of Tamarac, FL. Surviving sons, Mark A. Stier (Hope) of Highland, NY, and Christopher J. Stier (Leah) of Elizaville, NY; his brother Carl Jon Stier (Elly) of Atlanta, GA; and five beloved grandchildren, Ryan, Ella, Owen, Mollie, and Annie Ellen. Calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 23rd at Bates & Anderson Funeral Services, 110 Green Street, Hudson, NY. Military honors followed by a time for sharing memories will begin at 6:30pm. A Celebration of LIfe will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, January 24th at Vosburgh Brewing Co. 1065 Country Rt 19, Elizaville, NY. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society.

Robert W. Stier

April 12, 1937 - January 15, 2025

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Robert W. Stier

April 12, 1937 - January 15, 2025

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