Robert Thaddeus Stetz

Robert (Bob), age 76, was born May 10, 1946 in Minneapolis, MN and died Tuesday, July 5, 2022 in Albuquerque, NM.

His family moved to Albuquerque in the early 1950s. He attended Catholic school and graduated from St. Mary's in 1964. After a short stint in the Navy, he continued with his love of cars, drawing him to a career as an auto mechanic. He loved working on Volkswagens for a living and for fun. Bob's favorite job was working for Hans at Hans Wittler's Automotive. He also worked on VWs in his free time, owning various VW vans, camper vans, beetles, and a fastback. His passion for off-road racing added a pink Baja bug and a pink rail buggy to the mix. Bob and Barbara spent their honeymoon at a race in Amarillo, TX. Bob was also an astronomy enthusiast and belonged to the Albuquerque Astronomical Society. Bob and his good friend, brother-in-law, and co-worker Marc Kollander, spent many weekends in Belen assisting the construction of the General Nathan Twining Observatory. He raced dune buggies with Marc. Bob spent many nights under the stars at star parties and educational astronomy events for school children and their parents. He spent close to two decades of Christmas Eves driving Santa (his father, Ted) around Albuquerque in his VW van to deliver Christmas presents to children of parents who arranged the visits. Bob presented himself as Santa's elf. He loved classical music as well as older country music. He loved to fish as well as prepare his catch for dinner. Bob shared his wife's love of cats and became a regular "Cat Daddy" to their rescued cat family as well as the outside ferals.

Bob was a very kind and generous man with a magnetic personality who always focused on the good of his fellow man. He will be missed dearly by family and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Thaddeus Stetz (Ted); and mother, Mary Ann Okronglis Stetz. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Barbara; stepson, James D. Baca; brothers, Raymond Stetz and wife, Bernadine, and Richard Stetz and wife, Mary Anne; sister, Rosemary Johnston; numerous nieces and nephews; grand nieces and nephews; close friends; and extended family.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 27, 2022, 2:00 p.m., at FRENCH - University.