Robert E. Shlater: 1928 - 2008
Robert E. Shlater, 80, a resident of Churubusco, died at 7:29 a. m. on Friday, August 22, 2008, at his residence. He had been in failing health for the past two years, and had been seriously ill for the past week.
Mr. Shlater was born in Fort Wayne on June 3, 1928, a son of Willis and Mildred (Schroeder) Shlater. He moved with his parents to Churubusco in 1932, and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1946.
As a young man he worked as a car salesman for the former Floyd’s Auto Sales in Churubusco, and later for other auto dealers. He owned and operated Bob’s Auto Sales in Churubusco from 1971 to 1997.
An avid pilot, he had been a successful flight instructor for many years. He enjoyed motorcycles and car racing, and was a former track champion at the Warsaw Motor Speedway. A member of the Churubusco Town Council from 1992 to 2000, he was a member of the Fort Wayne Greater Aviation Museum.
On March 24, 1947 he was married in Columbia City to Betty J. Weigold. She preceded him in death on May 22, 1978. He later married Jeannette “Jan” (Derrow) Hollopeter in Fort Wayne on September 15, 1984. She survives.
Other surviving relatives include his children Stephen L. Shlater of Markle, Robert L. (Karen) Shlater of Huntington, William E. (Becky) Shlater of Port Orange, Fla., Sondra Shlater of Churubusco, and James A. (fiancee Jan Shamo) Shlater of Fort Wayne; his step-children Wesley (Carrie) Hollopeter, Shane Hollopeter, and Kimberly Hollopeter, all of Fort Wayne, and Tonya Hollopeter of Houston, Tx; a brother James (Bobbie) Shlater of Columbia City; a sister Sue (Wayne) Putt of Fort Wayne; 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and first wife, he was also preceded in death by a son Richard C. “Duke” Shlater on July 23, 1974.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a. m. Wednesday, August 27, 2008, at the Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco with Rev. Paul D. White, pastor of Churubusco Church of the Nazarene, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the mortuary from 2 to 8 p. m. on Tuesday.
Interment will be in the Eel River Cemetery, south of Churubusco.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to Parkview Home Health & Hospice, 2270 Lake Avenue, suite 200, Fort Wayne, IN 46805; or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, 120 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005-4401.
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To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Shlater’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
August 23rd, 2008 at 8:52 am
Jim and Family,
You have my deepest sympathy in the death of Bob. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Myrna
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Uncle Bob will be deeply missed. My sympathy to his kids and all his close friends and family.
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:27 pm
He will be missed greatly. We send our condolences to the kids and to Jan. If you need anything, we are here for you.
August 23rd, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. God Bless Uncle Bob.
August 25th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Our thoughts and prayers to the whole family! We miss you all!
August 25th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
My deepest sympathy goes out to my cousins in your time of sorrow. My prayers are with you now and always.
August 25th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
MY THOUGHTS GO OUR TO YOUR FAMILY I AM SURE BOB IS HAVING FUN WITH SMOKEY AGAIN. SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Dear Jan and family, We will miss Bob dearly, our thoughts and prayers go to you and the family. He was a sweet guy and a good friend too.
August 25th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I loved ole Bob and his stories of flying. He was a kind and gentle flight instructor to me many years ago. Our thoughts, prayers, and sympathy go out to you, Jan and family. He will be missed.
-Eric
August 25th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
I loved listening to Uncle Bob talk about racing, especially his Darrell Waltrip story. My heart goes out to Jan and all my wonderful Shlater cousins - love you guys! Kimmy
August 26th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Sondra and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
-Cheryl
August 27th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Sonnie and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family with the loss of your dad. I know that he is at peace now and enjoying time with Betty again. Take care and God Bless!!
Jodi Stangland
September 14th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Sonnie,
Kenny and I wanted to wait a few weeks after your dad’s passing to let you know that we had remembered him,from meeting him on his car lot. Your took the very best care of your dad and give so much of your life to enrich his,during the last days. He knew you loved him much. We are blessed to have a friend who shared a compassion for the care of her parents. We think of you when we drive through Churubusco,last time living in your dad’s home after Maple street. We understand the process of losing both parent’s, if you should need us. Friends, Kenny & Sally
December 26th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Mom & Sonnie,
I’m so sorry for your loss. If there’s anything I can do just let me know. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.