Sunday, October 2, 2005

Edwin R. Stroh Jr., Grosse Pointe Farms: Ford sales manager paved his own way

By Delores Patterson / The Detroit News

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Edwin R. Stroh Jr. was a man who liked to take his own path in life.

This was most evident in his decision to pursue a lifelong career in the automotive industry rather than enter the family's business, Stroh Brewery Co. He was a great-grandson of Bernhard Stroh, who founded the famous brewery in Detroit in 1850.

"My father didn't like to follow in anyone else footsteps," said Peter R. Stroh, his son. "I think he felt there (was) a much greater opportunity to make something of himself rather than compete against relatives for a position in the company and cause tension," Stroh said.

"He was a great example for me and my siblings: the kind of tools to be successful in business and in life."

Mr. Stroh died Monday, Sept. 26, 2005, of complications from Alzheimer's disease at Manor Cape in Sarasota, Fla. The former Grosse Pointe Farms and Longboat Key, Fla., resident was 85.

Born in Detroit, he attended Detroit Country Day School and the University of Virginia in 1942 before joining the U.S. Navy.

Throughout his life, Mr. Stroh worked in sales, starting out at Detroit-based F.L. Jacobs Co., which manufactured sheet metal and body parts, and the Holley Carburetor Co., where he worked on accounts for Ford Motor Co. He eventually became general sales manager of the Autolite Division of Ford Motor in 1961.

Mr. Stroh remained with the company for 26 years in the Ford Parts and Service Division, before retiring in 1985.

In his spare time he loved to spend time with his family and could be found playing baseball and running on the beach with his three children when they were young.

"He was very passionate about relationships, and once he built a connection with someone he was the kind of guy who made sure that wasn't lost over the years," Peter Stroh said.

Mr. Stroh was preceded in death by wives Jane Malcomson and Mary Lou McKay.

Survivors include a daughter, Linda Humphrey; two sons, Edwin R. Stroh III and Peter R. Stroh; a sister, Frances Simmons; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be scheduled in Grosse Pointe at a later date.

You can reach Delores Patterson at (248) 647-7225 or dpatterson@detnews.com.