RANDY STABNIK OBITUARY

Nov. 9, 1980 - Feb. 15, 2009
SOUTH BEND - Pvt.-2 Randy L. Stabnik, 28, died on Sunday, February 15, 2009, in St. John's Hospital, Springfield, Missouri, while serving in the military at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Pvt. Stabnik was assigned to the 1st Engineering Brigade of the 554th Engineers Battalion.

Randy is survived by his son, Nathan Stabnik of South Bend; his father and stepmother, James and Vicki Stabnik of South Bend; mother and stepfather, Bonnie and Jack Spindler of Zephyrhills, FL. Also surviving are his sister, Michele Stabnik of Zephyrhills, FL; stepsisters, Tracie and Pamela Spindler of Elkhart; stepbrother, Kyle Stethem of South Bend; and stepsister, Brianne Duncan of Houston, TX; along with nephews, Shaine and Devin Eblen; and a paternal grandmother, Mary Stabnik of South Bend. Randy also leaves behind many other family members, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will dearly miss him.

Randy will be remembered as a "loving" person, especially towards his son Nathan, who was his pride and joy. He was "protective" and "respectful" towards his family and extended family. His buddies will remember hanging-out with him just having a good time.

He attended Clay High School and joined the National Guard in LaPorte, IN.

"Stubborn" and "headstrong" were also part of his character, but he quickly became "determined" and "motivated" when he enlisted in the United States Army. He grew up very fast in these short months, was determined to find his purpose in life and motivated to become an integral part of the Army. Randy graduated Basic Training & AIT at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He completed training for Heavy Equipment Operator in the United States Army. He was currently awaiting deployment to Afghanistan.

Under heartbreaking circumstances, Randy left a legacy as an inspiring role model for his son to remember him by and his family to be very proud of. He will be in our hearts and prayers forever. In the final act of Randy's young life, as an organ donor, he made the ultimate sacrifice so that several others may live on. This was his wish and he will forever be remembered for this extraordinarily remarkable gift he was able to bestow. Today you stand in God's bright Light. Watching over us day and night. In our hearts you will remain Until the day we meet again. 

Visitation will be held, Monday, February 23, from 2 to 8 p.m. in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, in the funeral home, with Rev. Randy Duncan officiating. Graveside service with full military honors will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Memorial donations may be made to Jim Stabnik for the benefit of Nathan Stabnik's education. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com. 

Little did we know that morning that God would call your name. In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone. For part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us peaceful memories; your love is still our guide. And though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Feb. 22, 2009.

11/08/2022 EJS