Robert Zaugg, Class of 1939, was nominated by his daughter Nancy Zaugg Cooper. While in high school he played football for a short time, but after an injury was not able to play again. After graduation Zaugg attended Salem Trade School and became a tool and die maker while working for C. B. Hunt and Son.
Zaugg joined the US Army in 1942. After basic training he served in both France and England as a machinist, achieving the rank of Sergeant. When he came home, he worked at Taylorcraft Aviation and later at Bliss in Canton. While working at Bliss, he was approached to become foreman of the tool and die shop for the new company coming to Minerva named Kolcast, now PCC. As a foreman in the tool and die department, Zaugg was a respected leader. He had the knowledge of his trade and the ability to use it beyond the ability of someone with a college degree. Many times he wished he had a college degree and often stated he felt inadequate without it.
In 1960, while working at Kolcast, he started working part time a Monarch Products in Minerva. He was happy to do the "hands on" tool and die work rather than just the managing of other workers. By 1966 he left Kolcast to become the shop manager at Monarch Products. At that time he worked for Carl Summer and Glen Lautzenheiser, co-owners of the shop. In 1976 Zaugg became a co-owner of Monarch Products. It was his duty to see that Monarch was involved in the community affairs of Minerva and the surrounding areas. They were proud sponsors of ball teams in the area and of the Minerva and East Rochester Homecomings.
Through the years, Zaugg was involved in several community activities: Boy Scout leader, Clerk of the West Township. School Board, and Junior Achievement. He was an active member of the East Rochester United Methodist Church serving in many leadership positions. He was a member of the Tubal 551 F and AM Masonic Lodge in Minerva. He became a 32nd Degree Mason, and later became a member of the Tadmor Shriners of Akron.
Zaugg married Wanda Frazier before serving in World War II. They were married for fifty-nine years and the parents of three daughters: Nancy Cooper of Hanoverton; Caryl (Glen) Thompson of Dickinson, Texas; and Barb (Perry) Vick of Minerva. There are four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Many of the things that Zaugg could be noted for will never get disclosed. He was not self-serving and never looked for praise. He quietly did things for people that only those people would know about. To many he gave emotional and spiritual support as well as constructive advice. On the lighter side, one of Zaugg's favorite statements was to, "Kill them with kindness." Being firm and kind when dealing with others was an invaluable life lesson he taught his family.
Sadly, Zaugg died of pancreatic cancer in October 2001. His family is thrilled that he was chosen for this award and know that he would have been proud to receive it.