Phoenix – Robert Julian Stedelin, 87, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2021. He was born October 13, 1933, to Kenneth Julian and Alma Irene Stedelin in Rolla, Missouri. Robert married Nancy Pettitt (deceased 2004) in December 1961. He then focused on his studies and was an avid student. He graduated from Little Rock Central High School, he studied Journalism – speech and drama at University of Missouri, and after graduating from Arizona State University, he joined the family business with Ray Lumber Company, Phoenix, AZ. He then continued his education studying Psychology and Social Behavior at UC Irvine, and ultimately earned a Doctorate of Theology in Culture and Creative Spirituality at Holy Names University. He was ordained into the Orthodox Catholic Church in December 1991. He was The Chaplin of The Order of Saint Luke’s for over 25 years. He also was a member of The Order of Saint Francis. Robert is survived by his son James Stedelin (Amy), daughter Julie Johnson (Gregory), grandchildren Sgt. Jonathon Stedelin U.S.M.C, Sgt. Axel Johnson U.S. Army, Cassaundra Johnson and Ethan Stedelin.
Robert was devoted to the healing ministry in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Services will be held at Saint Barnabas on The Desert Episcopal Church located 6715 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 5 p.m. Interment to follow in the Memorial Garden.
There are a limited number of seats for those who wish to attend. Please register at www.saintbarnabas.org/signup or call the parish office at 480-948-5560. Condolences and Hugs from Home may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Mark H. Welchley
I never actually met Robert but we communicated a few years ago because we shared enough DNA that we were probably cousins. I helped him do his family tree on Ancestry.com and there it will remain for his descendants to enjoy. We never did prove how we were related, but perhaps in the future I will. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.