Richard Robert Stalbrink, Sr., 78 of LaCrosse, IN passed away Tuesday, March 7, 2023. He was born February 13, 1945 in LaPorte, IN to Fred and Viola (Schacht) Stalbrink.
Richard spent his first career with the Indiana State Police Department for 34 years, retiring as a Captain. He then spent 10 years as Director of Transportation for LaPorte Community Schools. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 29 years and retired as a Major. After spending his careers battling Northwest Indiana winter weather, he and his wife Peggy enjoyed traveling and spending their winters in warmer climates. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in LaCrosse and the American Legion Post 92 in North Judson. Richard served as a 4-H Horse and Pony Leader and Volunteer with the LaPorte County Fair for many years. He also enjoyed being a part of the Michiana Seniors Golf Association. Richard will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend who will be deeply missed.
On September 4, 1965 at the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in North Judson, Richard married Peggy Jean Dunn, who survives, along with their children: Richard (Amber) Stalbrink Jr. of LaPorte and Tracey (Roy) Cole of Westville; grandchildren: Richard Stalbrink III, Jessica Stalbrink, and Owen Cole; brother-in-law, Stan Sienkowski; and many loving extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Henry Stalbrink; and sister, Lora Sienkowski.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, IN. The funeral service will begin on Friday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Angelcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Prairie Trails Club, P.O. Box 72, North Judson, IN 46366 or the LaCrosse Indiana Public Library, 307 E. Main St., LaCrosse, IN 46348.
