Robert Lee Stockman

Robert Lee Stockman, author, engineer, surveyor, musician, passed away on April 16, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents and an older sister Joanne and brother Richard. His parents were Carl and Edna Stockman, who lived on a farm on the Adrian Pike in Freedom Township, Henry County, Ohio. He was born March 8, 1937. After attending St., Johns Parochial School and Liberty Center High School, he enrolled in Toledo University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. He also received officer training in the school’s ROTC program. After graduation, he joined the Army and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany as a Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. After discharge, he worked as both an engineer and surveyor, obtaining his Professional Engineer and Professional Surveyor licenses in 1965. He worked a short while for the Bethlehem Steel Corporation in Buffalo, New York. Then he worked for the City of Toledo, Ohio in the Engineering Department, and later as Director of Redevelopment for the Urban Renewal Agency. During this time, he commuted evenings to Wayne University in Detroit, Michigan, obtaining a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning. Then he moved to Detroit to work for a Planning consulting firm. His next job was in Grand Rapids, Michigan as Executive Director of a nine-county Regional Planning Commission. After 14 years there he worked for several local Engineering consulting firms, prior to semi-retirement. During this time, he became self-employed selling business software and Computer Aided design (CAD) systems to various engineering firms. He was a pioneer in using microcomputers in urban planning, and wrote a newsletter with subscribers from around the world. He enjoyed classic cars, outdoor activities, genealogy, and playing accordion, which he learned in his youth. He played accordion in several bands, including a 35-piece accordion orchestra (including trumpet, tuba, piccolo, guitar and drums) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Then he undertook intensive study of an interest of long-standing, the Low German language (Plattdeutsch). He did considerable research and soon became well known in Low German enclaves throughout the Midwest for his expertise. He wrote several books on the subject, including a Low German dictionary and a definitive 385 page book about his German ancestors and others who had migrated from northern Germany to Henry County, Ohio around 1840 to 1870. This book took 5 years to write. Meanwhile, he started a Low German club in Henry County. His latest book was a book about the history of Gerald, Ohio. A memorial service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, Freedom Township, on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 11:00. Interment will be private in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or a charity of your choice.

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Robert Lee Stockman

March 8, 1937 - April 16, 2026