Ernest Robert 'Bob' Stuhlmiller

Ernest Robert “Bob” Stuhlmiller was born on July 17, 1935, in Wenatchee to Emil Rudolf and Engelena Martha Nusz Stuhlmiller. He was 90 years old.

In his early years, Bob lived with his parents and siblings, Richard and Margaret (Ensor), on the family’s Columbia View Farm in Trinidad, Washington. In 1939, the family relocated to their farm in Edwall.

Bob attended elementary and high school in Reardan, where he was active in FFA, serving as Chapter President and as a delegate to the State Convention. He graduated in May 1953 and went on to attend Pacific Lutheran College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Business Administration in June 1957.

On June 29, 1957, Bob married Willamae Josephine Anderson at Glendale Lutheran Church in Burien. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, family, and farming.

Bob worked alongside his father on the family farm in Edwall and later took over its operation. He and Willy raised their five children there, growing not only their family but also expanding the farm’s acreage over the years. After Emil’s passing in 1982, Bob and Willy moved to Reardan, while their son Jeff continued the farming tradition at the family homestead.

Bob and his family were longtime members of Emmanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reardan, where he served in numerous leadership roles, including as an officer and delegate to district and national conventions.

Bob was deeply involved in his community and beyond. He served on the Board of Directors for St. Luke’s Hospital in Spokane and was active in the Republican Party, including serving as State Committeeman from Lincoln County and as a member of the State Executive Committee in 1968.

A passionate advocate for agriculture, Bob played a key role in revitalizing the Lincoln County Farm Bureau. He served in numerous leadership roles, including County President and later as Vice President and President of the Washington State Farm Bureau from 1973 to 1977. His service extended nationally through the American Farm Bureau Federation, where he participated on the U.S. Trade Advisory Committee. In 1977, he represented American agriculture internationally, traveling to Geneva and Brussels for trade discussions.

From 1985 to 1998, Bob was also active in the Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce and the Agricultural Bureau.

In 2002, Bob and Willy retired to Soundplace near Kingston, where they enjoyed the beauty of Puget Sound. Their home became a cherished gathering place for family and friends. They were devoted members of Vinland Lutheran Church in Poulsbo for over 20 years.

Bob was preceded in death by his brother Richard and his beloved wife, Willy. He is survived by his sister Margaret Ensor and his children: Sharron; Jeff (Rebecca); John (Allyson); Lisa (Bob Churchill); and Trisha (Bill Stepan); along with 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.