MADISON - Robert J. “Bob” Stalder, age 79, died peacefully on August 21, 2026, in Madison. His beloved wife of nearly 49 years, Laura, was at his side. Bob was born on May 11, 1947, to parents Woodro Wilson Stalder and Lillie Marie (Gerber) Stalder in Madison.

After graduating from Central High School in 1965, he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1969 he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was certified as a Radio Man. He served for two years before a motorcycle accident required him to change course. He earned an associate’s degree in computer programming and worked as a Programmer for MATC and the State of Wisconsin before starting his own business.

He met Laura Lee Holten in 1975 at Law Park when he returned her runaway dog, Carma, to her. He fell in love with her and they were united in marriage on September 10, 1977. They had two daughters, Abigail Louine and Elizabeth “Betsy” Suzanne. Bob took pride in being a father and ran his programming business from home so that he could care for his girls throughout their entire childhoods. He also took a primary role in caring for his own parents as they aged.

Bob loved learning and was a scholar in many areas including math, computer science, theology, psychology, and medical science. He built many professional grade electronics over the years and invented innumerable devices to help solve everyday problems. Bob was a playful and loving father and husband. As the son of a high school football coach, he had a lifelong love of playing the game and watching the Packers. He was a quiet, gentle, intelligent man who found amazement in small things and who never asked much out of anyone.

Bob is survived by his wife, Laura (Holten) Stalder; daughters, Abigail (Daniel) Halloran and Elizabeth “Betsy” Stalder; grandchildren, Connor and Lillian Halloran; sister-in-law, Vicki Holten (Steve Schoenberger); brothers-in-law, Larry (Pam) Holten, Mark Holten, Brian (Lynne) Holten and William Bates; and many special nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Woodro W. Stalder and Lillie M. (Gerber) Stalder; his beloved sister, Jeanne Lydia Bates; his father and mother-in-law, Roger and Vivian Holten; his uncle, Darrel Stalder; his aunt, Eureva Turner; and grandparents. He loved his family very much!!

A funeral service will be held at PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 2401 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Please allow ample time for street parking near the church when attending the service or visitation. Robert’s final resting place will be at Windsor Congregational Cemetery.

We are grateful for the skilled and loving extended care provided by the VA Hospital in Madison, and later on from those at Agrace in his final months.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Heat for Heroes, Agrace HospiceCare, or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Robert J Stalder

May 11, 1947 - August 21, 2026

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