Franz H. Schlottmann

None Franz H. Schlottmann, 89, a lifetime resident of Olympia and Thurston County, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 8, 2006. He passed away peacefully at home. Franz was born March 28, 1917, to Henri and Clara (Edgbert) Schlottmann. He graduated 8th grade from Roosevelt School in 1933. In 1929 at age 12 he started work for Anderson Sawmill, sweeping sawdust, but quickly advanced to picking wood from conveyors. He got his first truck driving job at 16 in 1932 working for Olympia Oil & Wood. He served 3 years in the U.S. Army during WWII as a tugboat captain for the 366th Harbor Craft Co., in Australia and New Guinea returning to Olympia Oil & Wood after he was discharged. Franz married Jean Loucks on July 29, 1949. From 1950 until his retirement in 1992, at 75, he was founder, owner and operator of Schlottman Excavating Co. Franz was happiest when he was spending time with family, piloting his tug Sandman, or classic cruiser Wombat. He also enjoyed woodworking, old cars and trucks, splitting wood, and supporting maritime waterfront preservation. He was an active member of Hidden Creek Community Church (Westside Alliance); Packard, Studebaker, Antique Truck, Vintage Car, YMCA Y’smen, and Wooden Boat Clubs; West Olympia Kiwanis, Footprinters, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Retired Tugs Assoc., South Sound Maritime Heritage Assoc., and WA State Grange. Franz is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jean; son, Jay of Olympia; daughter, Lisa Wendt of Tacoma; sisters, Ruth Layton and Sibyl Wendler both of Olympia; five much loved grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his younger brother David. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m, Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at Hidden Creek Community Church, 1807 9th Ave., SW, Olympia. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Hidden Creek Community Church Benevolent Fund; or the Sand Man Foundation, 4312 Cleveland Ave., Tumwater, WA 98501.