Robert William "Bob" Karlovich

Robert William “Bob” Karlovich, passed away, Thursday, May 28, 2015 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bob was born January 4, 1919, in Webb City, Missouri, the youngest son of Paul and Louise (Connelly) Karlovich. Bob was preceded in death by his father, mother, one brother and one sister. He is survived by: his wife of 69 years, Rose; son, Bob, Jr. and wife, Marcie; daughter, Deborah Ann Miller and husband, Keith; son, Richard Allen and wife, Victoria; daughter, Mary Martin and husband, Mac; together with nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Bob attended public schools in Oklahoma City and graduated from Classen High. He was an outstanding tennis player, winning several junior championships and received the first tennis scholarship from Oklahoma A&M (OSU) in 1938. Throughout his college years, he participated in ROTC and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant as an infantry officer in 1942. Bob enrolled in the School of Commerce and graduated with a major in accounting. He met Rose, while in college, and they married in 1945. Bob served in World War II and the Korean War. His first assignment was with the 134th Infantry Regiment, part of the 35th Division, which landed on Omaha Beach, D-Day plus 30. Prior to the invasion, Bob was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned as Regimental Communication Officer. His regiment started combat at St. La, France and was on the Elbe River in Germany, at war’s end. Throughout this period, the 35th Division was attached to General Patton’s 3rd Army for several months. For his services, Bob received the Bronze Star three times, during the four European campaigns, together with the French Croix de Guerre. Bob and Rose quickly adjusted to civilian life after the war. Their first home was in St. Louis, Missouri, where Bob worked for an accounting firm. Later they moved to Tulsa and Bob continued to work as an accountant and became a CPA. He also remained in the Army Reserves and was recalled to active duty in 1950, with Tulsa’s 306th Logistical Division. Their first child, Bob, Jr., was then ten days old. Bob was released from active duty in 1952 and joined Midwestern Engine and Equipment Company of Tulsa, with a branch office in Oklahoma City, as office manager. Throughout the years, the company changed the name to Midwesco Industries, Inc. and added two locations- one in Tulsa and one in California. When Bob retired in 1986, he held the position of Executive Vice-President. Bob enjoyed being a member of the Oaks Country Club, playing golf with his many friends. He also was a member of the Tulsa Men’s Club. Bob thoroughly enjoyed retirement, taking many trips with his wife, Rose. They made several cruises to places such as Alaska, Panama Canal, St. Lawrence Seaway and others. Bob and Rose were also proud to be founding members of Tulsa's Church of St. Mary. Rosary will be 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 29th, and Funeral Mass will be 9:00 a.m., Saturday, May 30th, both at Church of St. Mary, 1347 East 49th Place, Tulsa. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. The family extends its gratitude to the caregivers at Montereau. In lieu of flowers, please honor Bob with contributions to Catholic Charities, PO Box 580460, Tulsa, OK 74158. Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151.

Robert William "Bob" Karlovich

January 4, 1919 - May 28, 2015