SEYMOUR
Stephen Paul Kroman, 77, of Seymour, passed away Saturday April 29, 2023 at Indiana University Hospital.
Born May 25, 1945, in Florida to Nathan Kroman and Vivian Gerstein, who preceded him in death. He married Margaret Brock Kroman on April 14, 1991, in San Jose, California. He and his wife are residents of Seymour and are parents of four grown children and three grandsons.
Stephen grew up in New York City where he graduated from Long Island University with a degree Marine Biology. He was drafted into the Army and served thirteen months in Vietnam, achieving the rank of Sergeant E5 and earning “Soldier of the Month” for all US forces in Vietnam. He also received the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters for actions during the Tet Offensive.
After discharge, he relocated to San Jose, CA, pursued a degree in Business and
started his own Financial Management Consulting firm, which he ran for over 35 years. After retirement he continued to share his expertise with charitable organizations and small businesses across California and Indiana.
Stephen relocated to Seymour in 2001 and began his fraternal journey. He was raised a Master Mason in April 2002, became a life endowed member of Jackson Lodge #146 in 2005, and served as Worshipful Master in 2008-2009. He was Eminent Commander of Seymour Commandry, High Priest for Seymour Chapter RAM #85, and following the merger of Seymour and Columbus York Rite was Illustrious Master of the Columbus Council #54. He also served as Secretary/Recorder of all three Bodies. He is a 32º member of the Indianapolis Valley and the George Rogers Clark Valley of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, and the Indianapolis Murat Shrine. He was also a member of Seymour Chapter #134, Order of the Eastern Star. Stephen was inducted into the St. Bernard de Clairvaux Council #256 of the Allied Masonic Degrees and served as Sovereign Master. He also was a member of the Royal Order of Scotland, the York Rite College of Corydon #207, and recipient of the Knights of York Cross of Honor.
Stephen served in many capacities in these fraternal orders including Grand Chaplain for Grand Chapter RAM of the State of Indiana, Grand Marshal for Grand Lodge, Area Representative for Area 34, Board member of the Indiana Masonic Home, and 10 years as Secretary-Treasurer and Board Member of the Masonic Heritage Foundation. Stephen was Grand Photographer for Indiana Grand Lodge since 2013. He has served on many committees for Grand Lodge including leading Treasurer’s Workshops around the State. He also served in the Grand Commandry as Grand Marshal and aide, and Grand Prelate. He was awarded Grand Prelate Emeritus and Knight Commander of the Temple by the General Grand Encampment of Knights Templar.
He loved his family and being a grandpa, road trips, and traveling abroad. His hobbies included photography, cooking Asian cuisine, Science Fiction, and an appreciation for automobiles. In his earlier years he enjoyed scuba diving, snow skiing, camping and all things outdoors.
He has visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, England, Ireland, and
Scotland.
He is survived by his wife Margaret, three sons Michael (Brielle) Kroman of Lafayette, CA, Joshua (Amanda) Kroman of Parkville, MO, and Daniel Kroman of Santa Clara, CA; step-daughter Linda (Dan) Gough of Paso Robles, CA; grandsons Garrett Gough (Paulina DeAlva), Ethan Kroman, and Jacob Kroman. He is also survived by a brother Jonathon (Caroline) Kroman, sister Ruth (Gregg) Gorrin, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at 12:00 PM Wednesday May 3, 2023 at Surprise Christian Church, 6382 North County Road 100 West, Seymour, Indiana followed by a Masonic service at 2:00 PM and memorial service at 3:00 PM
Memorial donations in honor of Stephen may be made to Surprise Christian Church or The Indiana Masonic Home Foundation.