Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Robert "Bob" Meronk, age 68, of Oshkosh, passed away unexpectedly with his family by his side on Monday, January 12, 2015. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 4, 1946, to the late Henry and Estelle (Vedrine) Meronk. Bob was a 1964 graduate of Omro High School and was recently in charge of their 50th class reunion. He earned his undergraduate degree from U.W. LaCrosse and his Master's degree from U.W. Madison. On June 15, 1968, Bob married Ruth Hunter in Oshkosh.
Bob began his teaching career in Lake Mills in 1968. In 1974, Bob was hired to teach and coach at Oshkosh West where he worked until his retirement in 2003. Throughout his tenure at Oshkosh West, Bob served as an assistant football coach, JV Boys basketball coach and both as a varsity assistant and head varsity boys basketball coach. Bob served as Oshkosh West's head football coach from 1992 - 2002, earning the Fox Valley Association Coach of the Year in 1996 and 2000. Following his retirement, Bob continued as a volunteer football coach for the Wildcats through this past season. Bob was particularly passionate as the head girls track coach, serving in this position two different times and winning numerous championships, including the 1999 Indoor State Meet. He made an impact on many people's lives through his teaching and coaching career. Bob was more than just a teacher and coach; he was a mentor to many athletes and students throughout his 45 year career. He felt honored to have had the chance to coach both his son and daughter. Bob was inducted into the Oshkosh West Wall of Fame in September of 2013.
In 2014, Bob walked between 2 and 10 miles every day of the year. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying trout fishing and especially bird watching. Six days a week Bob milked cows at his brother-in-law's farm. He and Ruth enjoyed traveling to places such as Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, and Las Vegas, and he and his son, Greg, have visited all of the Major League Baseball parks. Every Sunday morning Bob enjoyed breakfast at the Roxy and every Tuesday breakfast was at LaSure's. Bob was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oshkosh.
His grandchildren will forever remember their trips with Grandpa to the zoo or for ice cream, playing in the basement or backyard and, their favorite, sitting on Grandpa's lap reading their favorite books and learning from him about the birds.
Bob is survived and will be dearly missed by his wife of 46 years, Ruth Meronk, of Oshkosh; a son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Laura Meronk, of Appleton; daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Brian Bernier, of Waukau; grandchildren, Vivian and Ava Meronk, Ally and Evan Bernier and Baby Bernier on the way. He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Sandy Meronk, of Poynette; sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Dennis Kempken, of Winneconne; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Donna and Richard Tritt, Mike and Mary Davis, Ralph and Joan Hunter; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Along with his parents, Bob was also preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Russell and Dorothy Hunter.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2015, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, 904 E. Main St. Winneconne, and will continue on Friday, January 16 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Jude the Apostle Parish, Sacred Heart 519 Knapp St. Oshkosh. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday at the church at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Bill Van De Kreeke and Fr. Matt Simonar officiating. Burial will be in the Omro Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.
You left us way too soon, but you touched our lives like no other. Love you always.
Audrey Schraven wrote on January 16, 2015
Ruth, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.May the love of God, your family and friends, provide you with the support you need at this difficult time in your life.Take care.
Audrey Schraven
Rick Hillman wrote on January 15, 2015
Ruth, I am so sorry to learn about your loss. Bob was not only a great teacher and coach but a wonderful human being positively influencing so many young people.
Marni Burton wrote on January 15, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine how heavy your hearts are. I have learned so much about your dad, husband, grandpa, coach since his passing! What an amazing man! I hope his memories warm your heart forever.
Renate & Gordy Hunter wrote on January 14, 2015
I'm not speechless that often but when Pat called I just was shocked. I'm sure you'll be numb for months. I can't imagine your grief but keep talking and leaning and hugging and crying and listening--this will give you comfort. Hearing stories about Bob that you've never before will comfort you. Thousands of students considered him a part of their lives as well as all the family and friends. He has an amazing legacy that he has left. Cherish that God Blessed your family with an amazing man in your lives. Hugs to all of you.
Carrie Leschke wrote on January 14, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mr. Meronk was special to everyone he met. He touched and blessed the lives of countless students, over the years, with his kindness, patience and compassion. I am proud to say I was one of them.
Carol Scheuermann Williams wrote on January 14, 2015
Ruth, sorry to read about Bob's passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family during this very difficult time. Know that our Lord Jesus Christ will wrap his arms around you & your family & give you comfort & strength.
Marc Warner wrote on January 14, 2015
He is a huge reason I turned out to be who I am today as I teach pe and coach multiple sports at a high school. I can still remember his passionate speeches and motivational words. Truly a great person and I hope my students and athletes will remember me as fondly as Coach Meronk's have remembered him!
Letty Kimble Horan wrote on January 14, 2015
I am so sorry to hear about your husband Bob. He was an influence on so many young people's lives and surely will be missed. I heard from him recently in connection with our 50th class reunion and he brought back so many positive memories for me in his kind letter. He will not be forgotten.
Dennis Rymer wrote on January 14, 2015
Bob You Were Great Person You Were My Phy Ed Teacher Rest In Peace Bob
Coach Dick Luther wrote on January 14, 2015
Bob and I were Students at UW-L a long time ago. He always had a deep Passion for all sports and I knew he would be a Great Coach. He did it the right way. Bob, RIP..........Coach Luther
Jim Bond wrote on January 14, 2015
Bob was a great guy and one heck of a coach. I had the good fortune of coaching our Fondy Freshman team at Oshkosh, this past season, and spent most of the game sharing memories and stories with Bob, who was working the chains. A good man. I am sorry for you loss.
Ken Arndt wrote on January 14, 2015
With fond memories of all your family, my sincere sympathy to each one of you. Bob spoke to me last in September at the funeral visitation for my brother, Warren, who was his HS classmate. Bob's kindness and concern for others was apparent every time he spoke. God bless you with the comfort he alone can give.
Jim (Bart) Bartholf wrote on January 14, 2015
To the family of Bob Meronk, notably Greg. I was
shocked about Bobs passing. If anyone was to live a long time, it would have been Bob. We all
enjoyed him for the week at Bear Island. He was a
great and wonderfull person. I will long remember him.
Mike Haedt wrote on January 14, 2015
My sincerest sympathy to a your family for your loss of a unbelievable mentor. Its always sad when we lose people who contribute so much unselfishly to other people. I only saw bob once a year at the farm show but it was always great to see and talk. Mike Haedt
Cheryl Ziemann wrote on January 13, 2015
So sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man that made such a positive impact on everyone that came into his life. I will always hold the memories we have close to my heart.
Amy Verwiel Kline wrote on January 13, 2015
Mr. Meronk was my Phy Ed teacher at various times throughout my high school years. He was always very kind and fair. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of loss.
Erin (Behm) Borisch wrote on January 13, 2015
Greg
I am so very sorry to hear about your dad! He was always one of my favorite High School teachers. His humor and patience made Phy Ed class enjoyable, even for someone as unathletic as me. He will be truly missed! You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers!
Dan and Gina Stokes wrote on January 13, 2015
So sorry for this unexpected loss. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Greg Lee wrote on January 13, 2015
What a wonderful and productive life Bob has enjoyed. The ripple effects from the mentoring, guidance and positive reinforcement he has provided to hundreds of young people will be felt for many years to come. He truly made the world a better place and will be missed.
Cindy Kriha-Morse wrote on January 13, 2015
Sending my thoughts & prayers to your family at this time. What a wonderful tribute to an amazing man. May peace be with you all.
Lori Salzer wrote on January 13, 2015
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Bob was a great man and will be miss.