Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. inducted into the Mizzou Hall of Fame

News courtesy of the Mizzou Alumni Association

Robert J. “Bob” Trulaske, Sr., BSBA ’40, LHD ’02, was recently inducted into the Mizzou Hall of Fame. Created in 2016, the Mizzou Hall of Fame honors high-achieving alumni who have exhibited excellence in their chosen field. Each year, a class of Hall of Fame inductees is recognized during Mizzou Homecoming.

Bob Trulaske was the founder and CEO of True Manufacturing Co. Originally from St. Louis, Bob Trulaske was one of only two graduates from his high school to attend college. While enrolled at Mizzou, he distinguished himself as an ROTC officer, receiving his saber from then–Sen. Harry S. Truman. He would go on to serve as a combat pilot in World War II, flying C47s across the European theater and participating in DDay and the Battle of Holland.

“First and foremost, Bob was a war hero, serving valiantly as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps in Europe during World War II,” said Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business Dean Emeritus Bruce Walker. “In fact, he was part of the D-Day invasion.  On subsequent missions, his plane was nearly shot down several times, if not more.  Once, his plane ran out of fuel and, essentially, coasted to a landing at the air base in England. Bob Trulaske was one of the finest people I’ve ever met – and while dean for 20 years I met many successful leaders.”

Upon returning home in 1945, Bob Trulaske married Geraldine Mae Mellor and, together with his father and brother, established True Manufacturing Company. Under his direction, the firm became a global leader in commercial, residential and lab-grade refrigeration equipment, and is one of the most trusted brands among food service and hospitality professionals around the world.

“It is the culmination of the great American story of a person who began with so little and whose vision and success in business brought so much life value to thousands and thousands of employees,” said Bob’s son, Steve Trulaske.

Citing Mizzou as the foundation of his success, Bob and Geraldine created an endowment to support future business students, benefiting more than 280 undergrad and MBA candidates to date. In 2002, the university awarded him an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for his business achievements. 

Bob’s grandson, John Bechtold, said the Mizzou Hall of Fame recognition underscores the university’s commitment to preserving and sustaining its legacy.

“It’s special to see individuals from the World War II generation being honored,” Bechtold said. “For Bob, when it came to building his business, it was always about the long-term, and I think that’s what the University of Missouri is about. It’s about building an enduring legacy.”

Bob’s granddaughter, Jeanne Trulaske Dalba, hopes her grandfather’s support will inspire other alumni to do the same.

“Staying true to Robert J. Trulaske, Sr.’s legacy, my hope is that graduates will take time to reflect on the quality of the education that they received at Mizzou and the impact it made on their lives,” Dalba said. “Like Robert J. Trulaske Sr., other Mizzou graduates may consider showing their appreciation for the school by making gifts to the University, particularly towards the programs they care about most. Higher education can change lives and one day, current students may have the opportunity to open doors for the next generation of Mizzou graduates.”

Bob Trulaske died on Sept. 25, 2004, at age 86. In recognition of his father’s enduring legacy and generosity, his son, Robert J. “Rob” Trulaske, Jr., led an effort to have the University of Missouri’s College of Business named in his honor. 

“Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. exemplifies the vision, work ethic and entrepreneurial mindset that the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business is working to inspire in our future business leaders,” said Balaji Rajagopalan, Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. Dean of the Trulaske College of Business. “Bob is truly deserving of the honor of being inducted into the Mizzou Hall of Fame.”

Mizzou’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business prepares students for success as global citizens, business leaders, scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs by providing access to transformative technologies, offering experience-centered learning opportunities and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.