Robert Frank Zoldoske

Robert, known to everyone as “Bob”, was born in Sugar Pine, Madera County, California in a cabin provided by the Sugar Pine Lumber Company. His father Frank worked at the mill keeping the saws operating. Bob’s parents were Frank Willard and Katherine (Engelman) Zoldoske. His father Frank was born in Norman, Oklahoma, and his mother Katherine was born in Russia in the village of Kukkus near the Volga River. Katherine, along with her parents emigrated to the United States in 1899 when she was one-year of age.

In 1962, Bob with his wife Joan, along with his parents, purchased a cabin in Sugar Pine near where he was born. Bob spent many weekends at the cabin enjoying life, fixing up the cabin, fishing/hunting or exploring nearby forest roads. He was active in the community and served as President of the Sugar Pine Homeowners Association.

Bob graduated from Fresno High School in 1948. He always talked about being a proud member of the Fresno High Senate Club. The club is now in its 125th year and is considered to be one of the longest continuously active clubs in the country. Bob also served his country, by enlisting in the California National Guard in 1950 and was honorably discharged in 1957, while obtaining the rank of Intelligence Sargent.

Bob worked as a Fresno Bee carrier in his youth, which later led to nearly 48 years with the Fresno Bee and culminating as Circulation Supervisor. He also participated in basketball and softball teams and served as captain of Bee’s softball team which went undefeated.

It was working for the Fresno Bee where Bob first caught the eye of Joan Warren, who was also working in the circulation department. This connection eventually led to a marriage to the love of his life on August 22,1953 that lasted over 72 years. Shortly after marriage, they purchased residential lot in Fresno where Bob and his father Frank built a house where they would raise three children and call home for many years thereafter.

Bob was a deeply religious man, taking his family to church on Sundays and always leading prayers at important holidays. He first became a member of Trinity Lutheran Church at the age of four. He remained an active church member his entire life. He was a church acolyte and was active in the church youth groups. Later he served as President of the Valley Luther Leaguers. Bob, along with his wife Joan became counselors for the high school youth group, where they made life-long friendships.

Bob spent many years on Trinity’s church council, taught Junior high Sunday school, was active in the Stephen Ministry, visited shut-ins, served communion, and sang in the church choir. Further, for 13 years Bob was the head trainer for young people wanting to become acolytes.

Outside the church, Bob belonged to SIRS (Sons In Retirement), Branch 159, the Clovis museum (docent), the Germans from Russia museum, and a member of the Central California Woodcarvers, Chapter #23 where he honed his carving skills, gifting many friends and family with his treasures.

Bob and Joan shared many activities together. They enjoyed playing cards in a group setting, attending Roger Rocka’s dinner and stage shows, and performing in the New Wrinkles Senior Showcase performing group, where they could be found singing and dancing for many years. They also shared a love for travel, making trips to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and many regions of the US.

Bob enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in school and sporting events.He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather to his family. He will certainly be missed by all that knew him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Katherine, his sister Helen Weinberg and her husband Dick.

Surviving is his wife of 72 years, Joan, their three children, son David Zoldoske (Danae), Daughter’s Debra Clark (Bill) and Diana Chapman (Rob). Nine grandchildren, Teagan Zoldoske-Fagan (Brennen), Kasi Zoldoske, Kyle Zoldoske (Cailie), Rebecca Phillips (Lance), Sarah Teets (Hunter), Bethany White (Chris), Joshua Chapman (Carleigh), Haley Chapman and Miranda Loll (Logan). There are six great grandchildren, Annora Zoldoske-Fagan, Emerson Phillips, Elsie and Hector Teets and Colton and Brielle White. Also, Bob’s niece Susan Wienberg and nephew Bill Weinberg and his sons Jaime and Todd.

A memorial honoring Robert (Bob) Zoldoske will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 8th 2025 at 11:00 a.m. Located at 3973 North Cedar Avenue, Fresno, California 93726. Luncheon to follow. Friends and family are welcome.

Remembrances may be made directly to Trinity Lutheran Church or your favorite charity.