Robert S. "Bob" Stauffer, 46, Minot, and formerly of rural Zahl, died Sunday, May 3, 2009, in an airplane accident near Surrey.

Bob was born Nov. 7, 1962, at Williston, the son of Robert Sr. and Cynthia (Gangstad) Stauffer. He was raised on the family farm north of Zahl and educated at schools in Grenora, graduating from high school there in 1981. He attended the UND-Williston for two years before graduating from NDSU in Fargo with a degree in agriculture.

Bob was employed with Holly Sugar Company in Worland, Wyo., where he met his future wife, Connie Sherman. They were married Aug. 1, 1992. They moved to Minot in 1993, where he began employment with SRT, working as an easement specialist for the past 16 years. He had also continued to assist his family with the operation of the Stauffer family farm near Zahl.

Bob was a model airplane collector and also collected miniature John Deere tractors and farm equipment. Every moment was a photo opportunity Bob. He enjoyed going to help his father, brother and late grandfather on the farm. His biggest joys were to spend time with his family, traveling to see family and friends, and his lifelong fascination of airplanes. He was with one of his best friends, doing one of his favorite things when he was called to his final home by the Lord. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

His loving family includes: wife, Connie; daughters, Cassandra and Katherine, both at home; his parents of rural Zahl; sister, Kari Stauffer, Fort Collins, Colo.; brother, Kenneth (Peggy) Stauffer, and their children, Cody, Danielle and Jordan of Williston and rural Zahl; paternal grandmother, Ethel Stauffer, Williston; maternal grandmother, Helen Bagaason, Williston; sisters-in-law, Donna (Bob) Eberle, Worland, Lori (Kent) Bruha, Grand Island, Neb., Holly (Mark) Berryman, Powell, Wyo., father-in-law, Bud Sherman, Worland; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his grandfathers, William Stauffer and Kenneth Bagaason; an infant brother, Robert William Stauffer; brother-in-law, Boyd Sherman; and mother-in-law, Sharon Sherman.

Funeral service: Friday, May 8, 2009, at 11 a.m. in First Lutheran Church, Minot.

Graveside service: Friday at 3 p.m. in Riverview Cemetery, Williston.

Visitation: Today from 2 to 7 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Memorials are preferred to a trust fund established at Affinity First Federal Credit Union for Bob's children.

Those wishing to sign the online memorial register or share messages of sympathy are invited to use the messages of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).