Robert Umholtz

Robert C. Umholtz passed away peacefully in Lawrence Kansas on January 4th at the age of 96.

Bob was born in Miami, Oklahoma on August 10, 1928, as the only child of Karl and Edna (Gardner) Umholtz. The family moved to Topeka, Kansas where he graduated from Highland Park High School as an honor student and class president. He attended Washburn University and The University of Kansas where he achieved a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of the Tau Beta Pi, Kappa Mu Epsilon and Pi Tau Sigma engineering honor societies.

Bob served in the U.S. Army during the early 1950's as a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. He was assigned a post in Korea where he supervised construction of petroleum product docking, pumping and load facilities.

Bob's family was proud of his 60-year teaching career at Kansas University School of Engineering. Students referred to him as ‘Bullet Bob’ because they had to move fast to keep up with his instruction. During school breaks he worked as a design engineer and consultant for various companies such as Phillips Petroleum, Westinghouse, Bendix, Boeing, and NASA.

Academic career awards included ASME Distinguished Professor, KUME Distinguished Alumni and The Wesley Cramer Professorship in Mechanical Engineering for Excellence in Teaching. He retired from KU in 2012 as Associate Professor and Associate Chair of Mechanical Engineering.

Bob enjoyed listening to his extensive collection of big band and jazz records. He loved tending to his vegetable garden and flowers at his home in the Hilltop neighborhood and was a devoted tv sports fan. If he did not answer the phone, it was likely because he was watching a KU basketball, football, or Kansas City Chiefs game.

Bob's proudest legacy was his family. He is survived by sons Mark Umholtz and wife Danette, Lawrence KS, Marvin Umholtz and wife Marty, Lawrence KS, and Martin Umholtz and wife Molly, Santa Rosa CA. Also, five grandchildren Justin Umholtz, Jonathan Umholtz, Mason Umholtz, Amanda Umholtz, Alexander Umholtz and five great-grandchildren Carter, Annika, Viola, Edie, and Makenna.

The Umholtz family would like to thank Presbyterian Manor staff members for their thoughtful care and support of Bob.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for KU Mechanical Engineering scholarships may be made online at?www.kuendowment.org/umholtz?or by check payable to KU Endowment (in memo please note: Mechanical Engineering Scholarship in memory of Robert Umholtz) may be sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.

A private family celebration of life and interment at the KU Pioneer Cemetery will take place at a future date. To leave a message for Bob's family, please visit www.Rumsey-Yost.com.