Robert M Bolz

Robert Mayer Bolz passed away January 19, 2009 in Madison from pneumonia.   Born in Chicago September 27, 1922, Bolz was the eldest son of Adolph C. and Eugenie Mayer Bolz.   He was preceded in death by his sister Marjorie Bolz Allen and grandson Griffin.   He is survived by his wife of 52 years Anne Wilkins Bolz; son Robert M. Bolz, Jr. (Lynn); daughter Sara; four grandchildren (Robert, Stephanie, Karley and Katherine); brother Jack Bolz (Marian) of Madison; brother-in-law Andrews Allen of St. Paul, MN; sister-in-law Louise Eberle of Tyler, TX; and many nieces and nephews. One of Madison's highly-respected, long-time business and civic leaders, Bolz led a rich and multi-faceted life.   He graduated from Wisconsin High School in Madison, attended Cornell University, graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BS in Engr., and attended Harvard Business School.   After working several years for Lockheed Aircraft Company in California, he served briefly in the U.S. Army during WWII.   Subsequently, he had a long career at Oscar Mayer & Co., serving in multiple positions from Plant Manager of Double O Sausage Company in Chicago to President of Oscar Mayer & Co. in Madison.   He retired as Vice Chairman of the Board of Oscar Mayer & Co. Known for his strong values, high standards and integrity, Bolz served on numerous community boards and foundations, including Madison Gas & Electric Board, Dane County Natural Heritage Board, Gathering Waters Board, United Way of Dane County Foundation, Meriter Hospital Board and Foundation, Wisconsin Historical Foundation, Madison Museum of Contemporary Art Board and Foundation, Madison Civic Music Association Board, National Board of Trout Unlimited, Rotary Foundation Board, Boy Scouts Glacier Council, and the Mendota Yacht Club.   Bolz also was active with the University of Wisconsin, serving on the board of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, University of Wisconsin Foundation, the Vilas Trust, and Boards of Visitors of the College of Engineering, Ophthalmology Department, Business School, and Max Kade Institute. Through his strong leadership with the Eugenie Mayer Bolz Foundation, many Madison organizations benefitted, including Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison Children's Museum, YMCA of Greater Madison, Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County, Meriter Hospital, Boy Scouts of America, Atwood Community Center, Henry Vilas Zoo, and Madison Symphony Orchestra.   An avid Badger fan, Bolz regularly attended football, hockey and basketball games.   Also an outdoorsman, he enjoyed sailing, fly-fishing and tennis.   He was a long-time member of Grace Episcopal Church and was loved and respected by family and friends.   He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Wisconsin Historical Foundation ( 816 State St., Madison, WI 53716), International Crane Foundation (E11376 Shady Lane Rd., Baraboo, WI 53913), United Way of Dane County Foundation ( 2059 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704), Olbrich Botanical Gardens ( 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI 53704), or a charity of your choice.   The Bolz Family is grateful to the caregivers at UW Hospital and Capitol Lakes Rehab Center. There will be a visitation from 3-5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Rd. in Madison.   A memorial service will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Madison at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24.