Photo courtesy of Kristan Funeral Home - Mundelein
Mundelein, Illinois
Mar 6, 1925 – Jan 26, 2021 (Age 95)
“A life well lived is one which has goals and integrity” describes the life and legacy of our beloved father, grandfather and friend Robert “Bob” Wiese, founder of Ivanhoe Industries, Inc. Bob passed away peacefully in his home in Mundelein, IL at age 95. Innovator, philanthropist, voracious reader, patron of the arts and education, lover of history, music and nature; Bob possessed a brilliant mind, extraordinary sense of humor and insatiable zest for life. He fervently lived by the tenets of his life: education, generosity and perseverance. Those who knew him often heard Bob saying “My religion is helping people,“ and “Never give up!”
Bob was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Arthur Christopher Wiese and Rose Holland Wiese. The family moved to Chicago where Bob graduated from Senn High School in 1943. The following year, he entered the Army Corps of Engineers during WWII where he served until 1946 as a water filtration engineer in Japan and Korea.
Returning from service, Bob used the GI Bill to fund his education at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and earned a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1951. In 1952, he married the dazzling love of his life, Ruth Thurston, having proposed two days after their meeting in Miami. They had three children, Karen, Janice and Roger.
In 1979, Bob founded Ivanhoe Industries, Inc. of Zion, IL, a specialty chemical manufacturing company, now recognized as a world leader in the industry. He was proud of his accomplishments, but never rested on them as he constantly strove to advance Ivanhoe's technological capabilities, expand its reach in adjunct fields, and encourage more inclusivity in its personnel. At 91, Bob received a patent for his development of corn oil extraction aids. He and his son, Roger, worked together for 27 years, giving him much joy. Bob continued to participate in Ivanhoe’s daily regimen until his death.
Truly a renaissance man, Bob loved learning and enjoyed many interests. Fishing, art, music, antique collecting, books, archeology, history, politics, and traveling were among his favorites. An avid follower of sports and a Cubs fan since 1920, he attended the World Series Game 4 to see his beloved Cubs move on to their first World Series victory in 108 years! He never gave up on them either!
Though he loved to learn from books, he mostly loved to learn from people. Always interested in their stories, he was a careful listener and a true friend. He leaves behind so many that were touched by his kind spirit and whose lives he changed with his generous heart. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Ann Wiese and son-in-law Carl Wishner; son Roger Christopher Wiese, daughter-in-law Shelley Wiese (n. Wechsler) their son Julian Robert Wiese, grandson. He is predeceased by his wife of 27 years, Ruth Thurston and their daughter Janice Marie Wiese.
In lieu of flowers, people considering honoring Bob can make a donation in Bob’s name to the charity of their choice.
A private spring/summer celebration of life will be announced.
An obituary for Robert will also be in the Sunday February 7, 2021 issue of the Chicago Tribune
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Great Company started by a Great Founder Got best service from them. Sorry for the late condolences re James F Baltimore
Jamiefoy
April 20, 2023
I cannot believe a year has gone by. But Bob would be happy to know that his company continues to thrive and his legacy is continuing. We have had tremendous obstacles to overcome due to COVID but Ivanhoe Industries continues to push through quality, innovation and I think Bob you can be proud of it all. You continue to be missed and thought of often!
Sherina Anderson
January 27, 2022 | Work
Bob was a wonder man and neighbor. My family moved next to Bob in 1978. I have many fond memories of our Countryside Lake Family. I was fortunate enough to clean Bob's house for him for many years. He was always kind and appreciative of me during this time. To Roger and his family I am sorry for your loss and am sorry I did not hear of this sooner.
Margaret Heist-Kasin
August 06, 2021 | Grayslake, IL | Friend
Group of 10 Memorial Trees
Ted Wrubel
July 30, 2021 | Roseville, MI
Sympathies and warm wishes to the family. We are nearby neighbors and share many of Bob passions.
Joyce and Doug DeWitt
February 25, 2021 | Mundelein, IL | Neighbor
In loving memory of Uncle Bob. His zest for travel, adventure and learning is an inspiration to all. I will cherish his stories, his ideas and the kindness he showed to our family. Uncle Bob was genuine in the way he listened, always looking to learn and understand. We are sad that you are gone, but so grateful you were here.
Jillian Kaergard
February 06, 2021 | Schaumburg, IL | Family
I met Bob in 1974 as the Countryside Homeowners Association organized to fight a proposed Planned Unit Development of 19,000 on the east end of our lake. We won. We had good leadership and political strategists.
Bob was in that category plus he attended many of the public meetings intended to wear us down and drain our resolve. Some meetings at the Village Hall lasted until midnight. 4 people swam the length of Countryside Lake for years. We could identify who they were from our...
Ed Rogan
February 06, 2021 | Mundelein, IL | Neighbor
We are very saddened to hear of Bob's passing and wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his family. When we moved to Hickory Road back in 1997 Bob welcomed us not only as neighbors but also as friends right from start. It was always a pleasure to run into him on his walks or at neighborhood get-togethers. His kindness, sense of humor, and warm smile will be truly missed. May he rest in peace!
Mark and Sidney Czynski
February 06, 2021 | Mundelein, IL | Neighbor
Bob wasn’t just my boss. He was truly a mentor to me and was like family. Probably some of the most important life lessons I know, he taught me over the last 15 years, while I had of the privilege of working under his wing. I am so honored to be part of the foundation and legacy he built, but more importantly I am proud of him. Everything in the past 15 years that he set out to do, he conquered. He always persevered and never took no for an answer. I miss his jokes and our conversations...
Emily Glenn
February 05, 2021 | WI | Coworker
