1924
2015
Frank Paul Scholz
December 8, 1924 - July 27, 2015
Frank Paul Scholz, age 90, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 27, 2015. A 41 year resident of Rancho Palos Verdes, he was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, grandfather, and soon-to-be great grandfather.
Frank was born in Iron Mountain, Michigan, on December 8, 1924, the oldest of four children of Frank Joseph and Dora Richter Scholz. He spent his youth growing up on a farm in Niagara, Wisconsin. After graduating from Niagara High School in 1943, Frank volunteered to serve his country during World War II enlisting in the U.S. Army. He was accepted as an Aviation Cadet in the U.S. Army Air Corps (now the U. S. Air Force) where his was the first class to receive twin-engine pilot training. Frank was honorably discharged when the war ended and began working as a deck hand on an iron ore steamer on Lake Superior. Soon he decided that college on the GI Bill was his next goal, and he enrolled in the Aviation Engineering program at Northrop Institute of Technology in California, where he would later also earn his MBA. His interest in aviation led to a career in the aerospace industry which spanned over forty years working for McDonnell Douglas, Rockwell and Boeing. He was most proud of his work on the Space Shuttle and Space Station.
Already an avid hunter and fisherman from his days in Wisconsin, when Frank moved to California he soon became smitten by the Pacific Ocean and the wonders it held. He first obtained his diving certification from Salvage Diving School, at a time when they used a heavy dive helmet, the precursor to today's scuba diving equipment. Thus began his more than fifty years of ocean fishing and scuba diving in the waters of California, Alaska, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. This was most often with the Douglas Dive Club of which he was a past president, a Lifetime Member, and extremely proud of his long-standing position as newsletter editor. In addition, he was a white water rafting enthusiast, having ridden the rapids in many California rivers as well as in Utah and the Kongakut River in Alaska. It was while in Alaska that he became hooked on salmon and halibut fishing and made this an annual event for many years. Another annual tradition was going to the "Gorge" for first-of-the-season trout fishing with family and friends.
After retiring from Boeing and the Air Force Reserves, Frank continued to travel. His favorite adventure was an unforgettable African Safari taken with his wife, Anne. All those animals and armed with only a camera! His military service allowed him privileges at Vandenberg Air Force Base where he hunted deer and wild boar and enjoyed just viewing the countryside.
Even at age 90, Frank could be found at the gym or taking his daily walk at 6 am on the Point Vicente Lighthouse trails.
Frank is survived by his wife of 41 years, Anne Croom Scholz; two children from a previous marriage, Paul Scholz (Sandra) of Westminster, Kristen Cumby (Robert) of Rancho Palos Verdes; stepson Alan Waters (Yvonne) of Palm Desert; stepdaughter Beth Gessner (Thomas) of Manhattan Beach; and eight grandchildren: Melissa Tierney (Daniel), Kevin Scholz (Lea), Lauren Scholz, Walker Cumby, Madison Cumby, Taylor Waters, Ryan Waters, and Emily Gessner. He is also survived by his sisters, Sally LaBerge (Gene) and Louise Coates (Robert) all of Wisconsin, and numerous nieces and nephews. His brother, William, preceded him in death.
The many people whose lives he touched will remember him as a loving and caring person with a quick sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Frank's ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean at his request in a private family service on August 7, 2015. A "Celebration of a Life Well Lived" will be held at a later date at Ports O' Call Restaurant by the water that he so loved. Because of Frank's love for his country and devotion to the military, the family suggests a donation to his favorite charity, Wounded Warrior Project. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Daily Breeze.
5 Entries
Frank was a great co-worker. Sad to hear he is gone. We had some great times and discussions on the Apollo and Shuttle programs at Rockwell.
Jack Potts
September 14, 2015
I used to see him at the Fort MacArthur gym. About six or seven years ago I noticed he was wearing a Truk Lagoon diving tee shirt. Since I was a kid, I've been fascinated with the thought of diving there, so I asked him about it, and we had the first of many pleasant conversations on diving and other topics. I always used to enjoy visiting with him. He led a very rich, full life. He also used to bring me the latest issues of California Diving News, which I always read. I really enjoyed knowing him.
August 31, 2015
Dear Paul & Krissy, So sorry for the loss of your dad. May you be comforted by your memories. God Bless, Pat Czarske & family
August 27, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss!
Donna Railsback-Braly
August 27, 2015
Dear Anne and Family,
I am so sorry. My thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Janice R Wheeler
Janice Wheeler
August 26, 2015
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more