(MyKeeneNow) – Robert James Stoeckmann, 89, of Keene, died surrounded by his family Saturday, July 27, after a lengthy illness.

He was born Dec. 11, 1934, son of Albert and Grace (Dichraff) Stoeckmann of Merrill, WI. He graduated from Eagle River High School in 1952. He attended the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) Aviation Mechanics Program, graduating with a CAA Aircraft and Engine Mechanical License.

He was accepted into the United States Air Force Aviation Cadet Pilot Training Program. He graduated as a pilot and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the USAF. He was stationed at Plattsburgh AFB, NY where he met and married Elizabeth Weber in 1961 at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Assigned to Strategic Air Command (SAC), he flew Boeing B-47E Bombers, KC-135A Tankers, EC-135A-G-H-L Airborne Command and Control Aircraft, and 11 other types of aircraft.

During the Vietnam War he served three assignments to South East Asia, flying KC-135 aircraft. While stationed at DaNang he flew the OV-10 Forward Air Control/Reconnaissance aircraft. He flew 185 combat missions and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, and numerous other awards. Major Stoeckmann retired in 1978 as a Command Pilot with over 5000 hours of flying time.

He moved his family to Keene in 1978 where he worked at Continental Cable Company and EMF Inc. Bob was an active member of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, his entire life. At Trinity Lutheran Church, Keene, he served in various positions including Elder, Head Elder, Financial Secretary, Trustee, and choir member. He was a member of the Monadnock Lutherans for Life, Keene VFW, The American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, National Association of Uniform Services, National Rifle Association, and the Wisconsin Polka Booster Association. He enjoyed building model airplanes, fishing, and polka music.

Bob is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth; three sons, Walter Stoeckmann of Stormville, NY, Martin Stoeckmann and Kurt Stoeckmann, both of Keene; two daughters, Brenda Stoeckmann of Keene and Susan Bobka/Todd Novak of Keene; grandchildren Derek Stoeckmann, Deanna Grossi, Christine/Stefan Lewis, Joseph Canavan/Marisa, Lyza Bobka, and Kaleb Stoeckmann; great grandchildren Everett Lewis, Remi Lewis, Finley Canavan, and Logan Canavan; two brothers, Roger Stoeckmann of Stoughton, WI and William (Janet) Weber of NY; and Margaret Krause of New York, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, and siblings George, Harold, Ruth, Helen, and Dorothea.

Bob was a child of God who knew Jesus as his lord and savior. He was loved and respected by many.

A service of celebration and life will be Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 100 Maple Ave., Keene. Calling hours will be 9 to 10 a.m. followed by the funeral service. Burial with committal prayers will immediately follow the service at Monadnock View Cemetery, Park Avenue, Keene. All are welcome to attend these services. A fellowship lunch will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church following the graveside service.

The service will be livestreamed and available to watch on the Church Pastor Ed Harkey’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuvTNqQi3v9pNPf3jVvAxXw or by clicking on “Livestream” under the services section.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Trinity Christian School, Keene, 03431.

The Fletcher Funeral Home of Keene is entrusted with Mr. Stoeckmann’s care. To offer online condolences to the family or to share special memories, please visit www.fletcherfuneralhome.com