Kevin Stotmeister was actively involved in many organizations in Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad and national business groups

Well-known Oceanside corporate executive Kevin S. Stotmeister, 72, passed away on Dec. 5, 2021, at his home in Coffeyville, Texas. Stotmeister retired last year as president of Federal-Heath Sign, a national Oceanside-based company.
As president of the highly respected Federal Heath Sign Co., Stotmeister led the Oceanside-based company to create and build many well-known iconic signs for leading corporations and businesses across the nation. Federal Heath fabricated many of the giant hotel and casino signs in Las Vegas and leading corporate locations. One of his largest and most noted designs was the giant “NASDAC” display in New York City’s Times Square. Locally, under Stotemeister direction, Federal Heath sign re-designed and built the colorful marquee for the Sunshine Brooks Theater in downtown Oceanside.
Stotmeister was born in Hazel Green, Wisconsin to Rosalia (nee Stockel) and Alvin Stotmeister on April 16, 1949. He grew up in Rochelle, Illinois 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 an ensign into the U.S. Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps. His naval career took the family to multiple locations before returning to the University of Illinois where he earned his Master of Science degree and Professional Engineer certification.
After serving eight years as a naval officer he resigned his commission as a Lieutenant Commander and 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 in 1993, president of Federal Sign. 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 of directors for KOCT, an Oceanside TV station, as well as the Tri-City Hospital Foundation. Kevin also was 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 divided their time living in Texas and California for many years to be closer to their daughters and their families. They eventually settled in Colleyville, Texas full time where they became very active in that 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, 2022, at First United Methodist Church of Colleyville, Texas.