Merle Allen

NAME Merle C. Allen, age 70, of Maple Park, passed away unexpectedly Saturday morning, May 31, 2008 at Provena Mercy Center Hospital, Aurora, IL. BORN: He was born May 14, 1938, the son of Lester and Bernice (Krieger) Allen in Waterman, IL. EARLY YEARS :Merle grew up on the family farm as only a son of a farmer can, tending the fields and livestock every day before and after school. EDUCATION: He attended Kaneville Elementary and graduated from Maple Park High School with the class of 1956. For many years during the summer Merle worked for DeKalb Seed Corn out in the fields. He pursued higher education at what is now known at Northern Illinois University. He spent a semester in New Mexico on fellowship at a university in Albuquerque before returning to N.I.U. where he finished his Master’s in Mathematics. Merle worked for Zion High School as a math teacher for a time before teaching six years at Plano High School. In the second year of Waubonsee Community College’s existence, then still located in Yorkville, Merle continued to teach Math for the next twenty-five years until his retirement in 1993. MARRIAGE Merle found love later in life, but it was more than worth the wait and it was only across the hall. Anita Kirk taught at Plano High School while Merle passed through and a few years later they found each other again, this time for good. Their two hearts became one on June 15, 1975 at Plano Bible Church, Plano, IL. They made their new life together back on the family farm where they would share wedded bliss for the next thirty-two years. MEMBERSHIPS In earlier years Merle was a member of Pierce United Methodist Church and was active in the church bowling league. Anita taught hand bells at several churches and Merle was only happy to follow and play as he was taught. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association as well as secretary of DeKalb County Radio Watch for several years. LIFE NOTES Merle spent his life teaching others and had a special way with his students. He was strict with his rules, but found ways to make math fun and his classes adored him for his effort. They always looked to see what he was wearing because of a special color tie he would only wear on test days. The tests themselves were hidden throughout the room, in the waste basket and up in the ceiling tiles. The students never knew what fun they were going to have each day, but knew Mr. Allen would always deliver. Although he spent much of his time in the class room, he also enjoyed spending time in his prized garden where his passion harvested enough for five families. Merle was a patient and kind man who very seldom spoke a word in anger. His memory, however, will be spoken of for many years to come. SURVIVORS He now leaves his loving wife Anita,One sister, Marilyn (Virtus) McNary of Oswego, IL;Many nieces, nephews, and a family of friends. PRECEDED He now joins his parents who preceded him in death. VISITATION / FUNERAL Friends may call from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 4th, at Fousquare Church of DeKalb, 210 Grove St., DeKalb, IL. Rev. Dennis Campbell, pastor of the church, will officiate and interment will follow at East Pierce Cemetery. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in his name. Checks may be made to the "Merle Allen Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through www.conleycare.com.

MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in his name. Checks may be made to the "Merle Allen Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through www.conleycare.com. Phone 630-365-6414 for information.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. A funeral to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, June 4th, at Fousquare Church of DeKalb, 210 Grove St., DeKalb, IL. Rev. Dennis Campbell, pastor of the church, will officiate.