July 5, 2017

Bob Stohl died almost four months ago. Born and raised in Rockford, IL, he died in Mt. Sterling, IL. His Mt. Sterling Church had a memorable service for him. He suffered from Parkinson's disease.

Bob was a unique individual. In 1962 he had a brain tumor requiring a twelve hour surgery near Chicago. Somehow he recovered, afterword leading a quiet life until dying on March 7, 2017. He was seventy one years old (Birthday on July 7).

In my opinion, what made Bob unique was his enthusiasm for the forest, his innate ability to find remedies in the woods for all sorts of maladies and his memory. He could remember amazing details from a years ago encounter! He was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Mt Sterling, IL.

An accounting graduate of Michigan Tech in Houghton, MI, Bob lived on the edge of society. He fit in uniquely, not like most of us. His priority was his own and he lived it as best he could.

Later in life, he helped others: his mother, his aunts (my mother included) and others needing assistance. He worked tirelessly for his Lions Club Sight Programs.

Bob was exasperating at times. His schedule had appointments with maybe a leaf, an insect, a fish. These fascinations would get in the way with how most of us live, spend our time, and made it difficult for many to understand him.

He lived a timeline somehow different from most. Maybe after his surgery, his brain saw things we never did. It is hard to say.

He had close friends. I sense they deeply cared for this man.

I will miss my cousin. In my remembering years, I will try and care more for the forest, be kinder to those in need and to those creatures of the earth and sky who always seem to surround me.

Howard A. Partch
retired guy
Anacortes, WA

Message from David Ryzak

March 26, 2017 12:01 AM

I knew Bob from our college days at MTU. We met in 1964 or 1965. We were roomies one year. We kept in contact since then and visited several times. He came to Michigan to visit when I was visiting there; and I got to visit him twice in Mount Sterling. I talked with him last I think in early February. He hadn't called and I could not reach him by phone so I wrote him a letter. When I got the letter back from the USPS I found out he was deceased. I'm so sorry to find that out. Lots of people have disappeared from my life in the past year.

Message from liam

March 17, 2017 1:03 AM

I am very sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. God has promised to, one day soon, eliminate death forever, along with all sickness, pain, and sorrow. (Rev.21:4) He has also promised to reunite us with our loved ones on a restored paradise earth. The Bible says he yearns to do this. (John 5:28,29; Job 14:14,15) I hope these scriptures will bring comfort to each of you.

A candle was lit by Kim Bradbury on March 9, 2017 9:18 PM

Message from Connie Dixon

March 9, 2017 8:18 PM

I first met Bob when Bob Vincent would bring him to McDonald's for coffee. He was a man that had many stories to tell you if you would stay awhile and listen. Then he started coming to the Senior Citizen Center where I volunteered, to eat lunch. He always had a story about places he had visited in his younger days, and he was quite the adventurer! He always told me to "get out and see the world while you're young", just as he did. R.I.P. Bob...

A candle was lit by West Central Mass Transit Staff on March 9, 2017 8:17 PM

A candle was lit by Connie Dixon on March 9, 2017 8:08 PM

A candle was lit by Brown County Senior Center and Mealsite on March 9, 2017 7:54 AM

Message from Phyllis Vanzant

March 8, 2017 7:03 PM

I enjoyed visiting with Bob as he sat in his truck outside of his apartment. He was always reading a book! A very avid reader. Often times I would share some vegetable soup, angel food cake, or pumpkin pie with him and he was so appreciative. I am so happy Bob that you finally went to Heritage where you spent your final days. So thankful that Inez & I got to visit you at Heritage. You will be welcomed into your eternal home in Heaven.

A candle was lit by Weldon & Phyllis Vanzant on March 8, 2017 7:00 PM