ROBERT "BOB" MUNRO,
1927 – 2010

age 83, of Merrillville, passed away Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at VNA Hospice in Valparaiso. Bob was born on January 15, 1927 in East Gary and was eventually joined by two sisters. He graduated from Edison High, where he spent time with some really great kids, and then went on to serve in the Navy during WWII as a sonar operator. After working at U.S. Steel in Gary, Bob went on to earn a degree in Economics and Business from Transylvania University in Lexington, KY in June of 1951. Upon his return to NW Indiana he worked awhile in real estate, spent 5 years with the IRS, worked at U.S. Steel's Oil Well Supply Division in Los Angeles for 2 years, came back and decided to get into teaching. He earned his teachers license and began teaching at East Gary Edison High School. During his 8-year tenure at E.H.S., he met the lovely JoAn Mocan, a Home Economics teacher there. They were married in November 1964. JoAn and Bob both went on to complete Master degrees at Indiana University. Bob moved to the Gary Public Schools as a Speech Pathologist and later as a Special Education Supervisor until early retirement. Bob then went on to private practice speech pathologist at St. Mary Medical Center and various nursing homes in Hobart. Bob and JoAn enjoyed traveling in the summer months and singing in the 1st United Methodist Church choir during school terms. Celebrating their 30th anniversary in Hawaii was a highlight of their marriage. Most of all, Bob loved people and everyone loved Bob. He will be missed dearly. Many thank yous to all the staff members and residents at Brookdale Senior Living, where Bob resided for 3 years and 8 months. Also, special regards to the wonderful, caring nurses and staff members and VNA Hospice in Valparaiso.

Robert is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years, JoAn; sisters, Marie (Bill) Frazier and Jeanette (late Herb) Olson all of Portage; many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Geraldine Pacific of Warsaw, IN; friend, John Gilbert of Warsaw, IN; special T.G.I.F. group of teachers from Gary Public Schools; very special and devoted friend, Jerry Dukeman, who came to visit Bob every week at Alterra Sterling House

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial donations are preferred to the Alzheimer's Association, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46209-4830 or VNA Hospice, 2404 Valparaiso St., Valparaiso, IN 46383

A funeral service for Bob will be Saturday, October 30, 2010 at 12:00 Noon at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart, IN, with Pastor Bob Johnson officiating. Cremation to follow services. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 Noon at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart, (219) 942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.