In Memory
Robert J. Zoller
Nov. 11, 1926 - Jul. 2, 2018
MIDDLEBURY - Robert J. Zoller passed away at the age of 91 on Monday, July 2, 2018, in Elkhart General Hospital, with members of his family by his side. Bob was born on November 11, 1926, in Chicago, IL, to Otto and Elizabeth Zoller. In 1929 he moved with his family to South Bend.He attended St. Patrick's Grade School and graduated from the former Washington Clay High School in 1944. He joined the U.S. Air Force after graduation and after serving in Italy, was honorably discharged in December 1946.
Bob married the former Wanda Gene Chapman in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, South Bend, on February 19, 1949. They raised six wonderful, loving children: daughters, Janet Allen of Colorado Springs, CO, Patricia Porteau of Houston, TX, Mary Claire (Thomas) Hart of San Ramon, CA, and Sue Ann Watford of Cave Creek, AZ; and sons, David J. (Lori) of Grand Rapids, MI, and Thomas R. of Granger, IN. He is also survived by fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Edward (Nancy) of Elkhart and Gerald (Karen) of Lee's Summit, MO; sister, Margaret Zoller of South Bend, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Frances (Lawrence) May of Bethel Park, PA.
Bob and his father operated the Zoller Storm Sash Company from the late 1940's until the company was sold in 1955. For a few years he was one of the full-time firemen on the Clay Township Volunteer Fire Department. He sold Mack trucks, sold fire-fighting equipment for Midwest Fire and Safety, and finished his career as a salesman for Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Co., retiring in 1989.
He was known nationwide for his knowledge of fire-fighting equipment and teaching its use.
Bob's hobby as an avid hunter made him successful in deer hunting with a bow, and antelope hunting with a scoped pistol.
He also was a master woodworker, resulting in many fine pieces of furniture and crafts.
Bob and Wanda moved from Elkjhart to Middlebury to enjoy their retirement years.
However, for Bob the last four years have been a difficult battle against cancer and a recent broken hip and stroke. He has earned a peaceful rest. Cremation has taken place.
Published by South Bend Tribune on Jul. 22, 2018.
Robert J. Zoller
Nov. 11, 1926 - Jul. 2, 2018
ELKHART-Robert “Bob” J. Zoller, 91, passed away July 2, 2018 at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born November 11, 1926 in Chicago, IL to the late Otto & Elizabeth (Gresz) Zoller.
He was a 1944 graduate of Washington Clay High School.
On February 19, 1949 he married Wanda Chapman; she survives along with 4 daughters, Janet, Patti, Claire, Sue, 2 sons, David and Tom. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, a sister, Margaret and 2 brothers, Ed and Gerry.
His dedication was always to his family, his community, and getting in a little time for hunting and fishing.
Per his wishes there will be no services and cremation will take place.
Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements.
06/17/2022 DEC
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