Robert Arthur Mervine
Robert (Bob) Arthur Mervine, 73, of Countryside, Illinois, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer on November 21, 2019. He was born to parents Lloyd Arthur Mervine and Mary Jean Mervine on August 2, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Bob graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1964. He received a BA from Illinois State University and a Master’s in Mathematics from The University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.
Bob worked as a high school math teacher and baseball/soccer coach at LTHS. He will be remembered for his service in activities Operation Snowball, scorekeeper/statistician/bus driver for multiple sports teams and tutoring many students. After 35 years of service, Bob retired from LTHS. In retirement, Bob continued his tenure at First Student Bus Company.
Bob was an Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor, Wood Badge Member, Silver Beaver Award Recipient and Camp Staff Member at Camp Delevan. He was a Young Life Leader and leader in the YMCA Indian Guides and Princesses. Bob was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church of Western Springs where he was involved in the high school youth ministry, church treasurer and council board member.
Bob married Paulette Hall on August 16, 1970 in Fairbury, Illinois. Together they raised two children: Jeannette Marie and Paul Arthur. They were married for 40 years and divorced in 2010.
Bob was a loving brother to Craig (Sharon) Mervine, Bege (Denny) Wiegman, Jeanne (Cheryl Dykstra) Mervine; a proud father of Jeannette (Jay) Breimhorst and Paul Mervine; and devoted Grandpop of Jacob Mervine, Reid and Gabe Breimhorst. Bob also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Jean Mervine; his infant daughters Marianne and Amy Jo Mervine; beloved aunt, Judy Lawson; niece, Laurel Jean Mervine; and nephew, Luke James Wiegman.
A Memorial Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 2pm at St. James Lutheran Church, 5129 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL 60558. Guest may greet the family one hour before the service. A reception will follow at St. James Lutheran Church. Pastor Bege Wiegman will officiate the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s name can be made to either the NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training) Scholarship fund of Boy Scouts of America at
https://donations.scouting.org/#/council/456/appeal/2587 (please make sure to add “Memorial made in honor of Bob Mervine” in the “Note” section) or to the Central Illinois Sheltie Rescue at https://www.illinoissheltierescue.com/support_our_efforts.html.
Blessings to your family. “Merv” was one of the best cheerleaders I know and in his last years at LT, he continued to have a positive impact on his students, colleagues, and the rest of those with whom he worked. Godspeed, Bob!
Jeannette and Paul,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was a friend for nearly 30 years and will surely be missed by many. My kids were both chauffeured by Bob when he would stop by the house on the way to the bus barn. They were scared to get on the bus as little 3 year olds but your father helped to make there experience comfortable. They still remember him and my wife and I will always remember Bob.
So sorry to read this, Mr. Mervine was 1st my camp counselor at Camp Delavan in ’67, then as my Algebra teacher at LT in ’70. My sad thoughts go out to his family. His sister Jeanne was my classmate at Highlands and LT.
Merv,
You were one of my favorite math teachers at LT and you inspired me to go into teaching myself. I used to love the jovial nature in which you conducted class each day. I also remember writing you a letter when I was in undergrad explaining how you inspired me and when I came back to LT to teach you reminded me how much that letter meant to you. I am grateful that I was able to call you a colleague for a few years as well once I was hired at LT. I won’t forget you Merv. May you find peace now.
We are so sorry to hear this news. Bob was a a man who cared greatly for others. Unfortunately we can’t make the memorial service but our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
John and Becky Glimco
After taking Mr. Mervine’s Geometry class, I was inspired to be a teacher. A little bit of him lives on in my classroom. I am so grateful to have known him.
Merv,
You were one of the ‘best’ people I knew coming out of LT. I have such fond memories of the jokes and laughs we had. I was so sad to see your obituary today. Thank you for instilling such great math skills in me, they’ve lasted me many years and throughout my career. You will be missed! Fly high!
Jeannette,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. He was a great man and remarkable teacher. Math was never my thing but your dad made it fun.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in the warm memories and love and support of friends and family.
Jeannette and Paul
I will always remember Bob teaching me
fundamental math at LTHS South he was a great
teacher and remember him from
Saint James Lutheran Church when I was a
young person. He was a good man.
I’m sorry I cannot make it.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your
whole family. Nancy Jones
merv,
Morning tutoring sessions, extra time dedicated to your students to help them understand a lesson better was something you were more than happy to do. You were one of the best of the best. I went into teaching with you as an influence. You were a great teacher and inspiration! Thank you for everything. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace.
Mr. Mervine was an amazing teacher. He will truly be missed!
Thank you Bob, for making geometry so interesting and fun. You were a favorite of mine, and after all these years I still remember.
See you on the other side.
I am thankful for Bob’s interaction as a coach with my son’s and as a math teacher to all my kids, especially my daughter who was inspired and encouraged by Bob to go on to become a math teacher. Heaven has a special place for those who inspired others to give of themselves. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Mr. Mervine was such an engaging, kind and patient math teacher. I was lucky to have him for two years and remember his classes very fondly. I just recently retold one of his funny stories to my own students this past week. Thanks for passing on your love of teaching, Mr. Mervine.
Mr. Mervine was such an engaging, kind and patient math teacher. I was lucky to have him for two years and remember his classes very fondly. I just recently retold one of his funny stories to my own students this past week. Thanks for passing on your love of teaching, Mr. Mervine.
Thank you all for sharing your memories of Bob. It is heartwarming to realize he impacted so many people.
Jeanne (Bob’s Sister)
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I had Mr. Mervine for two years of math (1984-1986), and he was both a gifted teacher (I was NOT a math person, and yet I learned!) and a caring person. I was dealing with some very upsetting family issues during that time, and he was an adult I could talk to at a time when I desperately needed one. He was both a wonderful counselor and a wonderful friend to me. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
I am sorry to hear Bob has lost his battle with cancer. I know that he influenced many at LT as a teacher, coach and bus driver. My condolences to the family.
Bob drove a school bus since 1988. He first signed on to do the trips with teams from Lyons Twp. High School. After retiring from teaching he started also drive school routes. It was a pleasure to have him as an employee. He was always eager to work as much as possible and did a great job getting people where they needed to go. I had the honor of being his manager for over 20 years. He is greatly missed here at First Student. May he rest in peace.