Robert Stroman

The memorial service for Robert J. "Bob" Stroman, 78, of Ipswich, is 10:30 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church, Main Street, Ipswich. Rev. Ron Wickard will lead the worship. Friends and family may gather a half hour prior to the service.

A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Robert was born December 16, 1930 at Elmira, NY to Leon and Estella (Woulghter) Stroman. He was raised in the Waverly, NY area and attended school there. Following his schooling he farmed with his family in the Chemung, NY area.

In 1950, Robert, married Jean Plaisted in Lowman, NY. He worked several jobs and then drove truck in New York State. While there he developed a life long passion for stock car racing. He drove a stock car at Chemung Speedway where he was named Rookie of the Year. He was proud of his time racing against the Bodine family, who eventually went on to stellar careers in NASCAR. To this union with Jean, three children were born, Robert J., Penny and Larry.

He moved to California in 1958. In California, he worked as a machinist for Unit Engineering, Blue Chip Manufacturing and eventually Hughes Aircraft Electrical Division.

In 1970 he married Linda Caldwell at Torrance, CA. Together, they raised their son, Michael. Robert retired from Hughes Aircraft in 1993. In California, Robert was active in the Antique Tractor Association and rebuilt a Farmall 300 tractor that was eventually featured on the cover of Classic Tractors Magazine. He also coached girl's softball and Little League Baseball for many years. He volunteered his time to serve as an umpire for many games and was also active in the South Bay Sportsman's Club.

They purchased a farm near Ipswich, SD in 1995 after a friend, who had grown up in the area, recommended the property. While living on the farm, Robert enjoyed raising livestock. Three years ago they purchased a house in Ipswich.

Robert enjoyed attending stock car races, hunting, and fishing and most importantly, loved spending time with his grandchildren and family. He was a past member of the Flatlanders Club and Ipswich Sportsman's Club and was a member of First Baptist Church in Ipswich.

His keen sense of humor and love of practical jokes will be remembered by all of his family.

Robert died Friday, April 24, 2009 at his residence.

Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife, Linda, of Ipswich; children and grandchildren, son, Michael Sean (Heather) Stroman, Breanna and Victoria of Ipswich, daughter, Penny Lu Stroman, Ft. Wayne, IN, Becky, Cape Coral, FL, Charity, Indianapolis, IN and Amy, Ft. Wayne, IN and son, Robert J. Stroman II, Ft. Wayne, IN, Chris, Groton, NY; sisters-in-law, Carol Doshier, Marjorie Stroman, Maria Jorkin and Jan Caldwell; and four great-grandchildren.

His parents, two brothers, Edward and William, sister, Phyllis, one son, Larry, and one grandson, Randy, preceded him in death.

Funeral arrangements are with Gramm Funeral Home of Ipswich with an online registry at www.grammfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Stroman, please visit our floral store.