Lorenze Echord Stoppelbein's Obituary
Remembering a St. Johns County Legend
After 85 remarkable years, Lorenze Echord Stoppelbein, known simply as Bubba, passed peacefully from this life on 5/12/2025 within the comfort of his Elkton home as darkness gave way to light in the early morning hours.
Born on 3/24/1940, the St. Augustine native remained in his hometown throughout life despite going on many adventures, foreign and domestic, for both his business, B&A Steel Erectors, and the naturalist hobbies his work ethic afforded him. A mutual joy of deep-sea diving and travel was shared with Sherry Stoppelbein, his wife of 55 years, who he dutifully supported in all things, including the many iterations of their shared business Luvin Oven.
Following a long, eventful life, Bubba is reunited in heaven with parents Lorenze Stoppelbein and Irene Stoppelbein, sons Michael and Stephen Stoppelbein, and siblings Hubert Stoppelbein and Vicki Cubbege.
Surviving him are his wife Sherry Stoppelbein, sisters Jean Marie Blair, Sylvia Acosta, Clarice Walton, Julie Ann Washington, and Annie Stoppelbein, daughters Carol Kazounis and Tara Guernon, sons Llyod and Jon Stoppelbein, grandchildren Jesse Villarreal, Kalea Kazounis, Hope Luteran, Eli Guernon, Devyon Crawford, Briannia Pearson, Mandy Nowell, and Jenna Brennick, and great-grandchildren Layla Luteran, Wesleyan Crawford, Walker Pearson, Charleigh Shannon, and Maverick, Makenna, and Everly Nowell.
In lieu of flowers, Bubba’s family requests that those who knew him record their tall and short tales in written, audio, or video format so that they may be collected and preserved for generations to come; paper and pen will be provided on the day of his service.
The St. Ambrose Catholic Church will hold a service for Bubba on May 24th at 10:00 AM. After which he will join his son Michael at rest at the St. Ambrose Catholic Cemetery. Attendants are encouraged to join Bubba’s family at the St. Ambrose Hall afterward to enjoy food and beverage while celebrating the life of a true local legend. Those who cannot make it and/or are seeking to reconnect with Bubba are encouraged to read his favorite book, A Land to Remember, and listen to his favorite artists – Johnny Cash and Sarah Brightman.
What’s your fondest memory of Lorenze?
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Share a story where Lorenze's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lorenze you’ll never forget.
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