John Oliver Schiltz

John Oliver Schiltz died 6/21/2016 surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves his four children, Cary Schiltz, Sherry Ryan, Ann Boulware, & Jona Lowrey. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, Jim Ryan, Pat Schiltz, Kara Thompson, Stephanie Myers, Megan Cheffey & Nick Lowrey. As a proud great-grandfather of seven grandchildren, he eagerly awaited the arrival of his next grandson, who would carry on the Schiltz name. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Jacquelyn or “Jackie” on 3/16/16 and his sisters, Laurabell Jobgen, Edith Freidman, and Dorothy Bockes. Born in Dubuque, Iowa on 2/18/25, he was an athlete, he ran track in high school, his coach bestowing the nickname “Zip”. He was a platform diver on the swim team, learned to ski & ski jump & found his lifetime sport while working as a caddy at the local golf course. Excelling at golf, his expertise helped him become an assistant golf club pro. He won many golf tournaments though out his. He earned a BS degree in chemistry from the University of Dubuque & completed the required courses to teach high school. While obtaining his master’s degree in Microbiology from Florida State University, he completed required courses to be a high school administrator & worked nights to support his family. He served on the Raytown school board for 10 years. In WWII he was in the Mountain Infantry on ski patrol, was recognized for his intelligence, promoted, & transferred to the Army Airforce where he completed Aerial Navigation Training & served as a B17 navigator completing 26 missions. His plan went down over the ocean, but all men onboard were able to be found. As the pilot flew the aircraft, Dad called in each crew members position as they parachuted. He & the pilot departed last. He spent 3 days floating in the ocean alone, waiting to be saved. He completed flexible gunnery training, radio & radar training. He served as an instructor in Navigation training at the end of WWII. After the Korean War started, he was recalled to active duty & completed a 36 mission combat tour as a B-29 pilot. Upon his return to the U.S. he was assigned to a B-47 aircraft & later was a Squadron Operations Officer. While employed at Bendix corporation he worked as a Safety Engineer, Industrial Hygienist, Health Physicist, & Supervised others with advanced professional degrees. He lectured, wrote, & presented scientific papers. He served as radiation advisor to the US Atomic Energy Commission, responding to many radiation incidents to direct & coordinate activities or provide advice. He served on panels on safety & health matters for training conferences at professional meetings. He assisted two universities in setting up their BS & MS degree programs in Safety & Industrial Hygiene. He completed his career as an Area Director for OSHA, DoL. He was a man with many talents. He was never afraid to tackle any household or car repair. He relished hard work & always had to have a project. He was a perfectionist He loved to tease those closest to him, continuing to do so until his last few days. He & his wife made many sacrifices to ensure their children would be provided for & well educated. He was proud of each of them and their accomplishments. He is sorely missed by each of them. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.floralhillsfuneralhome.com. Arr.: Newcomer's Floral Hills, (816) 353-1218.