Date of Death: November 16, 2025
Service Details
His family will receive friends Saturday, December 13, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
Obituary Notice
Robert Carroll Staffen, 66, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2025, at his home. He was born December 8, 1958, in Three Rivers, the son of Lyle E. and Barbara (Roach) Staffen. He graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1977. While there, he played football, baseball, and wrestled.
Bob worked as a lineman for 34 years and was a member of the IBEW. He married Elain Gaylor on June 16, 1984. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. He was a happy, fun-loving person who got along with everyone and loved to joke and make everyone smile. He enjoyed working in his yard and watching sports, particularly the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, and Michigan Wolverines.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Elain Staffen; daughter, Audre Staffen; son, Justin Staffen; sister, Deb (Staffen) Ruple; nephews, Corey Ruple, Tony Staffen, and James Staffen; and great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Staffen; and niece, Christina (Ruple) Rose.
Additional Information
Donations in Bob’s memory may be directed to the Three Rivers Food Site and/or Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County, Michigan. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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I wrestled with Bobby back in 77, I was on the same team, he taught me a lot about wrestling in the experience that he had! He was always a blast and always full of energy rest in peace
Deb and the rest of the Staffen family,
I never met Bob but he sounds like a nice guy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Cherish the good memories. You will always have those to carry with you and to remember the good times.
Bob you were on the roof with your BB gun, and wouldnt let me and Jimmy out of the pool, had me in a full nelson on the living room floor, but was much nicer to me than jimmy with the wrestling moves. Hence jimmys nickname for you Boque Louie. Looking back I treasure those memories. Thanks for the ride in are younger years. You will be missed. My sympathys to Elain and kids.
Bob had an outgoing personality, great self-confidence and the ability to achieve just about anything he set out to do. He had remarkable energy and was fearless toward whatever obstacles appeared in his way. As a teenager, when I was with Bob I always knew that I was in for something fun, memorable, borderline dangerous and at least slightly illegal. (Speed limits were just suggestions, etc.) Peace and joy to you, brother. My life wouldn’t have been what is without you.
Bob was a classmate of mine and always had a great time. Sorry for your loss, he will surely be missed.
I was a part of Bobby’s school cohort since Kindergarten at Park Community. His folks and my folks used to pal around together, so there were occasions where us kids were left to play together. Bob was always the nicest kid. He was quick witted, smart and polite. Always had a lot of respect for him and my memories of him are one of the blessings in my life. He made a positive difference in this world and he will be truly missed.
Prayers for his family. 🛐
I was on the same wrestling team as Bobby in 1977. As a freshmen on the varsity team, Bobby was a great team mate. He alway encouraged us to do our best and treated us as equals. He always had a smile and a pat on the back to encourage us.
I went to High School with Bob. I remember he was always in a great mood and lifted spirits. Sorry for the loss to family and friends.
I have known Bob since elementary school. I am so sorry for your loss.
Elain, Audre & Justin, You have my deepest sympathy and respect. All of your family has made this world a far far better place. Everyone and anyone who knows you & Bob loves you. Thank you all for the help and caring support you’ve given me over the years, To the most gracious & loving people I know. Sincerely, Teresa