Robert Middlekauff

Robert William Middlekauff, 97, passed away peacefully at his home in Ooltewah on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, Veterans Day. As a member of the Twelfth Air Force during WWII, Bob was a bomber pilot who flew 66 missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his role in a mission that proved critical to the Allies’ success in Italy. Upon his return to the US, he met and married a real life Rosie the Riveter, Marjorie Stolz. Marge was a “Female Production Soldier” at the Huntsville Arsenal making the bombs that Bob had been dropping from his B-25. Bob and Marge were married on Oct. 19, 1945 and remained happily married for 67 years until her death in 2013. After the war, Bob finished his college education and became an accountant in the private sector and later with Anne Arundel County in Md. He and Marge moved to Ooltewah after retirement to be with family. Bob was born on Aug. 25, 1920 in Hagerstown, Md. to Clyde and Naomi Middlekauff. He is survived by his sister, Dotty, of Hagerstown; his daughters, Lynn and her husband Gaetan; Robin and her husband Bob; his grandchildren, Kevin, Marc, Jared, and Caroline; and nine great grandchildren. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all. Bob is preceded in death by his loving wife Marge; sister Lois; and brother Darwin. Graveside services will be held in Hagerstown, Md. at Rest Haven Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Nov. 18. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor Virginia. Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share condolences with the family. The family will receive friends on Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. service time at Rest Haven Funeral Home.