Councilman Stinson Remembered by City Leaders as Remarkable Community Servant

Bellevue City Councilman Bob Stinson passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2022. Stinson was a well-respected and admired public servant, having worked for the Parks Department before becoming a Bellevue Police Officer. He also volunteered as a Bellevue Firefighter for many years and, most recently, was completing his first four-year term as Bellevue City Councilman for Ward 2.

Several city leaders and members of the community shared their thoughts on Stinson, and the impact he has had on Bellevue, beginning with his friend and former co-worker, Roger Cox.

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Roger Cox, Bellevue Police Department Community Relations Coordinator

When I was asked to write this, I searched the internet for the definition of a great man.  All the definitions seemed shallow and unworthy of describing Robert “Bob” Stinson. While searching for pictures to use I searched his social media, and a couple of things became apparent: Bob loved Linda, Jen, and Jason.  I was looking for a picture of just Bob wearing his beloved Husker gear, what I saw was a man that loved his family, his community, and was always there for his friends and family. I could find only a couple of pictures of just Bob. We all have our thoughts of what makes a great man, love of family, love of community, service before self, and faith in a higher being.  I don’t think we need a definition or quote; Bob lived and displayed in daily life what a great man/human is. 

Bob was a true servant; he spent his entire adult life serving the Bellevue community. Bob served on the Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department as a Rescue Squad Chief.  Bob was a respected member of the Bellevue Police Department for over 26 years; after retirement serving on the Bellevue City Council. Even retirement couldn’t keep him out of law enforcement, he was serving with the Airport Police at the time of his passing. Bob was an avid Big Red fan but will best be remembered for his love and dedication to his family and friends and sense of responsibility in public service.

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Rusty Hike, Mayor of Bellevue

I’ve known Bob for many years, but these past four years I have come to really know him.  Bob was a man of great integrity and someone who showed great concern for his community and the citizens.  He was an independent thinker who studied the issues and represented us well. Bob was a great city councilman, and we are a better city because of it.  I will miss his humor, his logical thinking, and most of all, his friendship. I thank Linda and his family for sharing him with us and pray they will find peace and comfort during these difficult times.

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Jim Ristow, Bellevue City Administrator

I have had the pleasure of knowing Bob in his role as a Bellevue Police officer and City Council person. Bob has always been a consummate professional in both roles with the community and constituents that he represented. Bob sacrificed a lot to serve Bellevue and will be truly missed. Bob was a humble and honest public servant and friend.

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Ken Clary, Bellevue Chief of Police

The entire Bellevue Police Department and Bellevue community are saddened at the loss of Bob Stinson. Bob has been a role model to all by living his life in the service to others. He leaves behind a legacy, by making Bellevue a better place, through his work as a Police Officer and City Councilman. Our prayers go out to his family during this difficult time.

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Perry Guido, Bellevue Fire Chief

Bob Stinson served on the Bellevue volunteer fire department for approximately 19 years. He also became a career Bellevue police officer, retiring only to serve once again as a city councilman. Few people have positively impacted the city of Bellevue as much as Bob Stinson. He will be greatly missed.

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Paul Cook, Bellevue City Council President

Councilman Bob Stinson was a dedicated public servant with a career as a Bellevue Police Officer, along with serving on the City Council, being a member of the Bellevue Volunteer Fire Department, and working in the Parks Department.  He truly cared about the Bellevue-Offutt community and worked hard to make it better for our citizens, business owners, and visitors.   My thoughts and prayers are with the Stinson family during this difficult time.

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Don Preister, Bellevue City Councilman

Bob was a man of the people who cared about doing what was right. He believed in service to his community and led by example.

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Kathy Welch, Bellevue City Councilwoman

Even though Bob & I were lifelong residents of Bellevue, I did not get the honor of knowing him until we both ran for City Council in 2016.  Bob took his position on the City Council very seriously, asking his constituents for their opinion, wanting to make sure he represented them well.  Bob loved his family, his constituents, his community, and his corny jokes.  I, along with many, will miss him more than words can describe. 

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Jerry McCaw, Bellevue City Councilman

When I decided to run for City Council, the first person I called was Bob Stinson.  At the time, Bob had been on the council for about one year.  I asked him, “After being on the council for about a year, what do you think now?”  With no hesitation, Bob answered, “I Love It.”  I asked Bob many questions over the next year or so, and he always responded with statements like, I love helping, I love making a difference, and I can’t wait to get up in the morning and serve my community.  Bob was a true mentor to me, and he will be missed by all.

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Thomas Burns, Bellevue City Councilman

To the family of Council Member Bob Stinson, it’s never easy to lose a loved one. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers. During my time serving with Bob, I’ve experienced a man who served with integrity, had pure intentions, and had a big heart. He raised good questions, he listened, and did what he thought best for the community. He will be missed.

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Larry Lampman, Bellevue Police Sergeant

I’d had the pleasure of knowing Bob for 22 years and working with him for 15 of those. Bob was a genuine, kind soul who cared about everyone. Bob gave his heart and soul to Linda, Jason, and Jenn. Bob loved his family, community, and lastly, the Huskers. Bob’s legacy will live on forever, and we are better humans for knowing him!

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Tammi Palm, City of Bellevue Planning Manager

I was fortunate to have worked with Bob during his time on the City Council. Bob was a conscientious leader. He dedicated his life to public service and cared about the citizens he served. He will be greatly missed at City Hall.

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Debbie Kohlscheen, Bellevue Business Owner

Bob was a public servant who loved his family and community and always, no matter what, looked to find more ways to help people. Taking on the city councilman role was just one more way he tried to help others. He will be missed by so many!

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Ed Monnier, Bellevue Police Lieutenant, Retired

One thing that always impressed me about Bob was that once he decided he wanted to be a police officer he went after it! He became a Dodge County Deputy Sheriff to get in the profession. He would drive clear out there, work his shifts, and drive back home. Court, training, patrol shifts, etc he just did what he had to do to make his way to Bellevue PD. He loved everything Bellevue and worked his whole life to be of service to this community. He was super proud of his dad who was a Lt with Bellevue and super proud of his son Jason. I loved the opportunity to work with him at different events like the CWS as off-duty officers assigned to the same post at the games. I know he loved every minute of that!

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Larry Schwartz, Bellevue Police Officer, Retired

He was the ultimate Husker optimist. Even after suffering several losses, he would still be figuring out a way for the Huskers to make it to the conference championship game.

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Diane Bruce, Bellevue Business Owner

I will always remember Bob as one of our Friday night regulars at B & B. He said that Linda always had to put up with him working or volunteering so much, that Fridays were her night. An early supper and off to Bingo they went. He was always a public servant – but he didn’t forget those who supported his efforts.

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Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 31st from 4:45 pm to 6:45 pm at the Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel | 2202 Hancock St, Bellevue, NE 68005.

Funeral Services will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, June 1st at Thanksgiving Lutheran Church | 3702 370 Plaza, Bellevue, NE 68123.

Photos provided by Roger Cox