Robert Edward Sholaas

1924 - 2019

Robert Edward Sholaas
Feb 1, 1924 - Aug 18, 2019
San Mateo, California
Robert Edward "Bob" Sholaas, 95, died peacefully on August 18, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Jeanette, and his siblings Marie Gilsdorf, Rose Miner, Hubert Sholaas, Margaret Skoch and Alvin Simard. He is survived by his three daughters Margaret, Mary Kay, and Monica (Tom Brady).
Bob was born in Blunt South Dakota on February 1, 1924 to Margaret Olinda and Milton Benjamin Sholaas. After the untimely death of his father, the family moved through the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest, ultimately ending up in Portland Oregon, where he was able to explore a love of technology at Benson Polytechnic High School.
Bob was a proud veteran of World War II, having joined the Navy as an Electrician's Mate 2nd Class running the gyrocompass on the USS Makin Island. During and after the war he studied at various universities, finally landing at the University of Portland where he divided his studies between electrical and chemical engineering.
After graduation he moved to California where he lived for the remainder of his life. He resided in the city of San Mateo for over 70 years and was a member of St. Matthew's and St. Gregory's Catholic Churches, serving as Lector, Eucharistic Minister and Usher. He loved working in his garden, sharing his harvests with family, friends and neighbors. His meals and baked goods were legendary, having often been made with something from his garden.
With two business partners, he built a successful detergent manufacturing company, Plex Chemical/Perf Products. After retiring, Bob became a consultant to other detergent manufacturers throughout the United States, South America, and Central America.
His love of country was extremely strong, and he proudly served twice as a California delegate to the National Republican Convention through the Reagan years. His patriotism grew profoundly with each passing year, something for which he was greatly admired and respected.
He was laid to rest with military honors, alongside Jeanette, in a private ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma, California.
His fascinating and caring conversations, treasured guidance, great humor and warm laughter will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.


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