Frank William Oldt

Frank William Oldt, 88, passed away peacefully Monday, April 15, 2013, surrounded by all of his children, grandchildren and pastor. He had been a longtime resident of Torrance, Calif., and Heritage Ranch in Paso Robles. Frank was born June 1924 in Chicago, Ill. At the young age of 18, his love for his country prompted his enlistment in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He proudly served as a carrier pilot aboard the USS Petrof Bay during World War II in the South Pacific Theatre. In August 1945, while on leave, he returned home to marry his sweetheart, Marjorie Ethel Fletcher. They were married for nearly 64 years before she passed away April 23, 2009. Upon completion of his service, Frank began his 33-year career with Bell Telephone. He started as a lineman, advanced into management and ultimately became Supervisor of Communications for the L.A. Sports Arena. Marge and Frank made their first home in Palatine, Ill., where they were blessed with three children. Marge contracted polio in 1951, and in 1957, they moved to Torrance in search of a better climate for Marge. They enjoyed family life in Torrance for 23 years. Frank became an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America. For years, they volunteered their home as a polling place for state and federal elections. Frank always ensured that polling booths were set up before he left for work. For his civic volunteer activities, he was presented with the PTA Honorary Life Achievement Award. Through a good family friend, they discovered Lake Nacimiento in 1958. The family spent many summers camping just below the dam and along Snake Creek, on a private ranch, which would eventually become Heritage Ranch. After Heritage Ranch went into the early stages of development, they purchased a weekend retreat there. Their love for Lake Nacimiento was the force behind their permanent move to Heritage Ranch in 1980, when Frank retired. He was an avid fisherman and loved hitting a "white bass boil." Both were very involved in the Heritage Ranch community. They were original members of the Heritage Village Church, Heritage Village Seniors and Frank's pride and joy, the Wednesday night poker group. Frank spent many hours assisting in the construction of the Senior Center and could always be counted on to assist in fund raising activities. A 33-year community volunteer at Heritage Ranch, he truly loved life at the Lake. Frank was a devoted husband, who loved God and his family immensely. He was a gentleman - a man of high integrity, wisdom and skill, coupled with a great wit and sense of humor. He set an amazing example for his descendants to follow. His teachings were simple: "Just do the right thing!" Family and friends will agree we were all so blessed to have had him in our lives. Frank leaves behind a close and loving family: three children Sue King, Don Oldt (Diane) and Sharon Peters; four grandchildren Jeff Oldt (Gretchen), Dan Oldt, Kiana Aguilera (Abel) and Greg Peters (Sammy); and10 great-grandchildren Makenzie and Kamille Oldt, Riley and Keegan Oldt, Angelina and Elise Aguilera and Makana, Kainoa, Kekoa and Bailey Peters. He leaves behind extended family in California, Illinois, Iowa, Georgia, Wisconsin and Colorado, as well as many dear friends and neighbors. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2013, at the Heritage Village Senior Center, 4880 Heritage Road in Paso Robles, with a reception barbecue to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Heritage Village Church or the Heritage Village Seniors. Kuehl-Nicolay 238-4383 Paso Robles