Robert Oligschlaeger (Veteran)

Robert Urban "Bob" Oligschlaeger, 87, of Aplington, Iowa, died Friday, July 9, at Maple Manor Nursing Home in Aplington, Fortified with the sacraments of the Holy Mother Church. Bob was born March 3, 1923, at St. Elizabeth, Missouri, the son of Bernard and Alma (Schell) Oligschlaeger. Robert Urban Oligschlaeger married his high school sweetheart, Freda Rose Crane, of Tuscumbia, Missouri and they became the parents of eight children. After Freda's death in 1980, Bob married Marjorie DeBower Schuck of Aplington, Iowa, in 1983. Bob Oligschlaeger was a 1940, graduate of Tuscumbia, High School and was particularly proud of being a starting player on the school's basketball team that won the 1940 Eldon Tournament. In 1942, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and served as a radioman and gunner on a twin engine PBJ-1 bomber in WWII. He served in the Pacific Theater of the war, achieving the rank of Tech Sergeant and earning the U.S. Armed Forces Air Medal for meritorious service in combat over Rabaul and Kavieng. After WWII, Bob worked as a radio and TV repairman in Jefferson City for several years. He then owned and operated several agricultural services firms, including St. Elizabeth Farm Supply Company, Lawson-Robinett Farm Supply, Anchor Milling Company and Empire Foods of Springfield, Missouri. The former became one of the largest turkey producers in Missouri. For a period of time, Bob served as President of the Missouri Turkey Federation. In 1983, Bob and Marjorie retired to Tuscumbia and resided there for several years with their beloved dog, "Boots." They moved to Aplington in 1995, and lived happily there until the present. Bob enjoyed woodworking and produced hundreds of carefully crafted heirlooms for family and friends. Celebrating the memory of Robert Urban Oligschlaeger include his wife, Marjorie, of the home, and six daughters: Judy Meyer (Kevin) of Osage Beach, Mo.; Mary Wright (Alan) of St. Louis, Mo.; Martha Oligschlaeger of Osage Beach, Mo.; Susan Reynaga of San Diego, Calif.; Helen Allen (Fred) of Springfield, Mo.; Christine Vallely (David) of Springfield, Mo.; and one son: Robert Oligschlaeger, of St. Elizabeth, Mo. Robert's life was graced with 17 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are four step-children: Gaylen Schuck (Linda) of Arkadelphia, Ark.; Diane Meester (Norm) of Springfield, Mo.; Russ Schuck (Gail); and Becky Jungling (Hank), of Aplington, Iowa. In addition, there are 10 step-grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Surviving sisters are: Helen Hirsch (Don) and Jeanette Branch (Jack) of Jefferson City, Mo. Deceased brothers and sisters are: Leroy Oligschlaeger (Gerry) and Blanche Kemna (Emil) of Jefferson City, Gerald Oligschlaeger (Ann) of St. Louis and Delores Ritter (Kraft) of Port Clinton, Ohio. Robert Urban Oligschlaeger was preceded in death by his first wife, Freda Rose Crane, and their infant son, James. Services were held Monday, July 12, 10:00 a.m., at Bethel Reformed Church in Aplington, Iowa and will also be Friday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. at St. Roch Catholic Church in St. Louis, Mo. Burial will be Saturday, July 17, at 11:00 a.m., in the St. Lawrence Cemetery, St. Elizabeth, Mo.