Robert F. Stahlhut

Robert Fred Stahlhut, 96, of Indianapolis , passed away on June 24, 2017. He was born on April 6, 1921 in Indianapolis to Walter and Clara (Reidweg) Stahlhut. Robert was a graduate of Manual High School. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and, when his B 17 was shot down he spent the rest of the war (22 months) in a German
Prisoner of War camp.

Robert returned to the U.S. after the end of World War II and soon married his sweetheart, Irene (Eland ) Stahlhut. He returned to civilian life for awhile but eventually re enlisted in what was now the United States Air Force and he was followed by Irene and their growing family first to Alaska and then to Puerto Rico. After that Robert and family returned to Indiana where Robert became a typesetter and worked until his retirement at Rough Notes and was an active member of the Typographical Union. He also worked part time repairing watches at his father's Jewelry store, Stahlhut Jewelers in Fountain Square. After retirement Robert did volunteer work for the VA, driving veterans to Indianapolis VA Hospital for treatment. He was also very active in the Indiana EX POW organization, serving as an officer of the organization, and later was a member of the EX POW group which met weekly at Veterans Hospital. Robert was an active member of the Lutheran (Missouri Synod) Church, first at St. Paul Lutheran Church and later at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Robert is survived by his wife Irene, his 10 children: Jackie (Mike) Cesnik, James Michael (Tena) Stahlhut , Frankie Stahlhut (Sue Davy), Bob (Debbie) Stahlhut, Sandra (David Kennedy), Theresa Minton, Tom (Kathy) Stahlhut, Jeff (Monica) Stahlhut, Jody (John) Cobb, and Steve (Dee) Stahlhut, 35 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his 6 siblings and by 1 great grandchild.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 28 from 5 to 7:00 PM at Flanner and Buchanan, Decatur, 5463 Kentucky Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46221. Funeral Service will also be at Flanner and Buchanan on Thursday June 29 at 10:00 AM. Interment West Newton Cemetery. A meal to follow at St. Ann Catholic Church at 12:30 PM.