COLLEYVILLE, Tex. — Kevin S. Stotmeister, 72, passed away on Dec. 5, 2021. Kevin was born in Hazel Green, Wisconsin to Rosalia (nee Stockel) and Alvin Stotmeister on April 16, 1949. He grew up in Rochelle and later attended the University of Illinois on a full ROTC scholarship where he met the love of his life, Ellen.

After graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Navy in the Civil Engineer Corps. His naval career took the family to multiple locations before returning to the University of Illinois where Kevin earned his Master of Science degree and Professional Engineer certification. After serving eight years on active duty as a naval officer he resigned his commission as a Lieutenant Commander. He then began his professional career in the sign and visual communications industry with Federal Sign. His career spanned from the Chicago area to Indianapolis, Dallas/Fort Worth, Oceanside, CA, and then back to Euless, Texas. In 1985, Kevin earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago and was named vice president in 1988 and then President of Federal Sign in 1993. After overseeing a historic merger with Heath Sign Company in 2003, Kevin was named President and CEO of Federal Heath. Kevin served on the Boards of Directors for both California Sign Association and ISA (International Sign Association). He worked for Federal Heath for 40 years before retiring in January 2020.

While living in Oceanside, California from 1991 until 2017, Kevin was very active in his community. He served as a City Commissioner of Oceanside as well as serving on the North County Economic Development Commission. He also served as Chairman of the Board for KOCT, a local TV station, as well as the Tri-City Hospital Foundation. Kevin was also active in the Oceanside, Carlsbad, and Vista Chambers of Commerce and was a charter member of The Oceanside Museum of Art. The Stotmeisters also supported the Chez Veterans Center at the University of Illinois.

Kevin and Ellen split their time living in Texas and California for many years to be closer to their daughters and their families. They eventually settled in Colleyville full time where they became very active in the community. Kevin served on the Board of Directors of the Colleyville Lions Club as well as served as Treasurer of the Drug Awareness Council. He took great joy in chairing the Breakfast with Santa fundraiser this year.

Kevin lived an extraordinary life and died peacefully surrounded by his family.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Leslie Gaffney. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Ellen, and his daughter Erin Buck and her husband Travis, his daughter Sarah Pearson and her husband Jason, and his grandchildren Avery and Harper Buck and Kevin Pearson and many nieces and nephews and their children.

Kevin’s memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Jan. 27 at First United Methodist Church of Colleyville.