Robert "Bob" Martin Schlau

Robert Martin Schlau finally reached the finish line. He ended his long run on Thursday, June 20, 2024. 

Bob was born September 28, 1947, in Des Moines, IA to the late Robert E. Schlau and Jean Martin Schlau. For his first ten years, Bob lived in Hamden, CT. His father was transferred to Pittsburgh, PA and the family settled in Mount Lebanon. Bob lettered in track, cross country, and baseball. He was also inducted into the National Honor Society. Bob graduated from Denison University where he continued his running. He then attended the U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School in New Port, Rhode Island. Bob was commissioned December 20, 1970 and served six years as an officer in the U.S. Navy. 

After his military service he attended graduate school earning two master’s degrees, then taught at Ohio State University and The College of Charleston. In 1983, Bob joined Merrill Lynch and enjoyed a 35-year career as a Wealth Management Advisor. 

All those years Bob kept up his running, finishing 71 marathons of which he won eight. He qualified for and competed in the 1984 and 1988 U.S. Olympic Trials in the marathon. Bob was inducted into the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame, The South Carolina Road Runners Hall of Fame, and the Cooper River Bridge Run Hall of Fame. 

Bob was very active in the Charleston community, serving on the board of the Charleston Symphony for ten years, which included one term as President. He also served on the National Kidney Foundation Board and Charleston School of Law Endowment Board. 

He is survived by the love of his life, Jan Price Schlau of Beaufort, SC; his brother, Bill Schlau (Karen) of Covington, LA; two sons: Scott Schlau of Mt. Pleasant, SC and Ben Schlau (Miriam) of Los Angeles, CA; and granddaughters: Clara and Frida. 

Bob also leaves behind step-daughter, Jennie Crider (Charlie) and their son, Hayden as well as many friends. 

His funeral service will be held Sunday, June 23, 2024 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel, 232 Calhoun Street at 2:00 pm. Burial will be in Beaufort National Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, Bob requests donations be made to the Charleston Symphony, Attn: Development Department, 480 East Bay Street, Suite F, Charleston, SC 29403(www.charlestonsymphony.org).