After a long fight with diabetes, Bob Stolberg died March 1, 2009.
Bob was one of the “originals” with the Phantom Regiment. He joined the corps in 1957 as a baritone player and marched for several years. However, his marching days are best remembered for his time as the guard sergeant for the Raiders of the Phantom Regiment color guard.
After the corps was forced to shut down in 1965, Bob was one of the loyalists who kept his interest in the corps and was pivotal in reforming the corps in 1968, sitting as an original member of the Board of Directors. Since no task was overwhelming to Bob, he became corps director for 3 years in the early 1970s.
In one of those drum corps weddings, Bob married Peggy Lowling, a Phantomette. Their house became a meeting place for corps members and staff alike.
Outside of drum corps, Bob spent many years managing large supermarkets before changing careers to become a successful insurance agent. He is survived by his wife, Peg, and three children, Chris, Bob and Kathy.
After retiring to the San Diego, Calif., area, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, and a bi-annual vacation in Hawaii. He returned to Rockford for the 50th anniversary of the corps and always looked forward to the times when the corps traveled to California.
All of us who knew and loved Bob will miss him. Corps members, staff and volunteers from all the years owe him a big debt of gratitude.
The viewing, service and burial, will be held in San Diego. He will be buried on the grounds of the Mission San Luis Rey, which is beautiful and located fairly close to his home.
Viewing: Thursday March 5, 2009, Greenwood Memorial Park in the Garden Chapel,4300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113, 5-8pm, Rosary 7:00.
Church Service & Burial: Friday March 6, 2009, Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108, 10:30-11:30 Service.
Burial following the service: Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92057, estimated to be at 12:45pm.
Please send condolences to: 25147 City View Lane (Jack Rabbit Acres), Escondido, CA 92026.
