"Life's Good and It Keeps Getting Better"

Robert Basil Oleskow, 85, was born on October 6, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois to Mathew Oleskow Sr. and Anna (Batiuk) Oleskow. His Ukrainian immigrant parents instilled in Robert values of optimism and ambition throughout his childhood with statements like "We're in America and here we are free!" and, "If we work hard nothing can stop us from building a good life." Those principles stayed with Robert until he passed away peacefully in his Lake City home, being held by his loving wife Diana Oleskow Lubich at 6am on April 4th, 2024.

When fresh out of William Taft High School in 1956 Robert started machining a plastic valve in the family garage, a water softener valve his father Mathew created to improve the water quality industry. With Matt Sr.'s vision and Robert's strong work ethic along with his mother Anna's ("Nana Chief") clerical skills they co-created Matt-Son Incorporated, founded in 1957 and began producing and distributing parts and machinery for the water treatment industry. As the company grew Robert's older brother Matt Jr. joined the family business along with dozens of employees. When his father's health began to decline Robert served as President of the company and furthered its growth through international expansion. One of Robert's guiding principles was "Always hire people who are smarter than you are, pay them more than the going rate, and your company will continue to grow, and your employees will feel valued."  During his career he also served on several committees of the "Water Quality Association." Recently, he was recognized for his 50-year membership of the Masonic Lodge.

Robert sold Matt-Son in 1998 and retired to fully enjoy his passions and treasured time with his wife, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. He thoroughly enjoyed playing golf on beautiful courses throughout Illinois, Florida, Wisconsin and ultimately The Jewel in Lake City Minnesota. Robert continued to be an avid golfer up until the year before his death. Along with his passion for golf, Robert could also be found playing slot machines at the local casinos, never minding the cold Minnesota winters because Treasure Island Casino was nearby.

Robert married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Treend in 1957, together he and Marilyn had two sons Brett born 5/31/1958, and Kenneth born in 12/28/1962-1/30/1986. Robert and Marilyn later divorced.

"We finally got it right"

In 1998 Robert married the love of his life and his best friend Diana Lubich. They briefly lived in Barrington, Illinois and spent winters in Naples Florida, before spending these last 20 years in beloved Lake City, Minnesota.

Robert is preceded in death by his father Mathew Oleskow Sr., his Mother Anna (Batiuk) Oleskow his brother Mathew Oleskow Jr., his son Kenneth Oleskow, and Granddaughter Barbara Ann Kimball, and by his many friends in business, golf and life.

Robert is survived by his wife, Diana Oleskow Lubich, son Brett (Charissa Bertram) Oleskow, daughter-in-law, Susan (Donald) Steffan, grandchildren Sarah (David) Sandlers, Rachel (Anatoly) Melnikov, Keaton (Katie Ferris) Oleskow, Asia (Danny) Baci, Lucas Oleskow, Bailey Oleskow, Ruth Kimball (John), Naomi Kimball, Joshua Kimball, great grandchildren, Adelyn, Noah & Eliana Sandlers, Katerina & Sophia Melnikov, Gwenyth Oleskow, and Austin Kimball.

Robert's positive mindset carried him all the way through his late-in-life decline, frequently saying to family and friends "I'm 85. I've lived longer than my parents, my brother, and most of my Chicago buddies. I've had the best life of anyone I know. What's to complain about?"

The Oleskow's are deeply grateful to the Mayo Clinic team of physicians, nurses, and specialists who gave Robert the most incredible healthcare and longest life possible, and to the Mayo Hospice team, their 'Angels in Action'. With their unending support and guidance Robert was able to stay at home and pass away peacefully as heart disease and kidney failure took hold.

The kindness of family, friends, neighbors, and strangers, touched Robert and Diana deeply during his last "precious days." They express their heartfelt gratitude to all who surrounded them with love and support during this difficult time of letting go.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 27th from 12pm-1pm followed by a "Celebration of Life" service from 1pm-1:30pm, at Schleicher Funeral Home, Lake City Chapel followed by a luncheon at Lake City Sportsman's Club from 2:00pm-4:00pm.

To honor Robert's utmost respect and appreciation for community emergency response personnel, Diana and the family would like to extend a warm invitation for all emergency responders, fire fighters, police officers, and EMS service providers to please join us for the after-service meal from 2pm-4pm or to stop in and feel free to take a meal to go if you are on duty. Thank you for all you do to uphold our community of Lake City.