Robert (Bob) Anthony Shooltz, (92) of Oxford, Michigan: Born October 8, 1923, died August 20, 2016. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen Joyce Cowan Shooltz and son of Lawrence Shooltz and Ellen (Mahony) Shooltz.
Bob was many wonderful things to many people but, first and foremost, he was a Child of God. His life was Christ-centered for all of his 92 years as was apparent to all who knew him. The Light of Christ guided him on his path as a son, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, employer and friend to all.
Bob was born and raised in Chesaning, Michigan. His beloved father passed away when Bob was 12 years old and he was raised by his devoted mother Ellen.
As a teenager, he met the one love of his life, Kathleen Cowan. On February 7, 1945, Bob and Kathleen professed their love for and commitment to each other in the eyes of the Lord at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chesaning, Michigan and began the marriage that would span eight decades and 71 years. Together they successfully raised four children: Michael (Mike) Lawrence Shooltz, Thomas (Tom) Charles Shooltz, Patrick (Pat) James Shooltz and Barbara Ann Shooltz
Bob began college at The University of Detroit and, when World War II broke out enlisted in the Navy and became an aviator. His love of flying began as a young boy and he took his first solo flight at age 16. The Navy allowed him to pursue this passion while serving the country he loved. When the war ended, Bob returned to the University of Detroit and completed his Engineering Degree
Bob was an entrepreneur and risk-taker his entire life. In 1972 he joined Bateman Realty in Oxford, eventually acquiring the company. He reformed the organization as Coldwell Banker Shooltz Realty and spent the next decades working in his community, serving the needs of his professional team and the many families in their quest for new homes. He was the consummate team-builder and his greatest professional joys came from seeing others succeed.
“Life is all about people” was a favorite and oft stated theme for him.
Bob was a man of great and boundless generosity of spirit. His belief was that “You can’t out-give the Lord”. He tested this theory throughout his life in countless ways, large and small, simple and profound. All who knew him recognized this and the Lord’s Light radiated through him.
But throughout his life, it was his love of family which was all-consuming. Teaming up with his beloved wife Kathleen, they formed a totally Christ-centered family with unshakeable bonds, rich in all the elements that make life meaningful. He taught his children the one lesson that really mattered, that the Lord will never give you anything that you can’t handle if you keep God as your partner. Knowing this, he lived and loved without fear and was prepared to enter Heaven joyfully at any moment in his long and fruitful life.
In a life remarkable for its richness, Bob would say that “I’m saving the best for last”.
In addition to his beloved wife Kathleen and four children, Barb, Pat, Tom and Mike, Bob leaves behind seven grandchildren; Emily Shooltz, (wife of Ben Arons) of Brooklyn, N.Y., Elizabeth Shooltz, Robert Shooltz, Kathleen Shooltz, all of Washington, D.C., Peter Kendzierski, (husband of Leslie Stahl) of Philadelphia, Michael Kendzierski of San Francisco and Maggie Shooltz of St. Louis, Missouri and two great-grandchildren, Theo Arons and Elliott Arons, children of Emily Shooltz and Ben Arons.
Viewing will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home (39 West Burdick, in Oxford) on Wednesday evening, August 24 from the hours of 5-8 p.m.
Funeral Services, will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church located at 715 N. Lapeer Road, in Lake Orion, on Thursday August 25 beginning at 11 a.m. A meal will be served immediately following the service.
Burial services will be held Friday, August 26 at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Chesaning, Michigan at noon.
Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to San Antonio Catholic Church, 24445 Rampart Boulevard, Port Charlotte, FL 33980, or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 715 N. Lapeer Rd, Lake Orion, MI 48362.