SOMESVILLE – Carl J. Stehman 67, died after a struggle with Parkinson’s disease Sept. 20, 2005, at his Somesville home surrounded by family. He was born Jan. 24. 1938, the first son of Carlyle John and Ursula Hampel Stehman. He graduated from Decatur High School, Decator, Ala. and went on to college at his parents’ alma mater, the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. He married Frances Eliot Foote Jan. 25, 1959, and from this union produced three loving daughters. After receiving his bachelor of science in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois in 1961, he started his career in Chicago at ITT Kellogg. Here he launched into a career in computers and developing software. After the Chicago division of ITT closed in 1965, he continued his work at Scully International until 1968, when he joined Web Press Engineering designing industrial control devices in the printing industry. After a brief employment with Web Press, he rejoined the communications industry at ComTech Corporation where he became project manager for several multimedia education systems. Carl joined Wescom, Inc. in 1971 and had the general responsibility for all engineering computer activity including installation of one of the first computer graphic drafting systems. In late 1974, he helped organize the development team and participated in the design of the 580 Digital Switching System project that evolved into the digital telecommunication systems that began the 911 automated systems. He held several patents due to his involvement in this design. Wescom was purchased by Rockwell International and he continued there until his retirement in 1997. He was involved in his community including the LaGrange Highlands Civic Association, Police Advisory Board and co-organizing the local Junior Olympics. He was close to his family, enjoyed eating ice cream from the family’s Baskin Robbins ice cream stores and spending many hours in his large vegetable garden. He had many hobbies including collecting, fixing and experimenting. He and his family enjoyed many vacations in Maine where his wife has strong family ties. In 1997, they retired to Mount Desert Island. During his retirement he enjoyed giving his time and energy to the Unitarian-Universalist Church and the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Ellsworth. He is survived by his wife, Frances Foote Stehman, three daughters and their husbands, Pepper and Dave Cwik of Mount Desert, Bonnie and Ron Lockhart of Glendo, Wyo., Kristin and Tom O’Gorman of Exeter, N.H.; grandchildren, Dustin, Ryan and Kimberly Lockhart and Frances O’Gorman; his brothers and their wives, Robert and Diane Stehman of Evanston, Ill. and Charles and Joan Willey Stehman of Wilmington, N.C. A service celebrating his life will take place noon Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Unitarian-Universalist Church, Ellsworth. In lieu of flowers please contribute in Carl’s memory to the Unitarian-Universalist Church, P.O. Box 5141, Ellsworth, ME 04605, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, P.O. Box 5504, Ellsworth, ME 04605 or the Southwest Harbor Public Library, P.O. Box 157, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald Funeral Home, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert.
CARL J. STEHMAN
