"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. Bob earned a degree in Chemical Engineering in 1951 from Illinois Institute of Technology.

In 1979, Bob founded Ivanhoe Industries, Inc. of Zion, IL, a specialty chemical manufacturing company, now recognized as a world leader in the industry. At 91, Bob received a patent for his development of corn oil extraction aids. Bob continued to participate in Ivanhoe's daily regimen until his death.

Bob 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) and their son Julian Robert Wiese. 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 9, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Wiese

15 Entries

Jamiefoy

April 20, 2023

Great Company started by a Great Founder
Got best service from them. Sorry for the late condolences

re

James F
Baltimore

Sherina Anderson

January 27, 2022

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!

Margaret Heist-Kasin

August 6, 2021

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.

Ted Wrubel

Planted Trees

Joyce and Doug DeWitt

February 25, 2021

Sympathies and warm wishes to the family. We are nearby neighbors and share many of Bob passions.

Jillian Kaergard

February 6, 2021

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.

Ed Rogan

February 6, 2021

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 view overlooking Countryside Lake. Bob was identified by his goggles and white hair. Bob was a renaissance man. By coincidence Karen and I were tracking down antiques at an obscure shop somewhere in rural, rural Indiana. When paying the owner looking at the address on our check said "the man that just left is from Mundelein too". Yes, it was Bob who, I think, bought some porcelains from her. Hickory Lane, Countryside Lake and Lake County lost a great "make things happen" human being. Thank you and Rest in Peace Bob.

Mark and Sidney Czynski

February 6, 2021

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!

Emily Glenn

February 5, 2021

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 because I always learned something. I miss our lunches together and our visits. He was such a blessing to me. I will never forget him.

Keith Hammerschmidt

February 3, 2021

Bob was such an amazing man and mentor. From the time I interviewed with him for my current position, up until the week before he passed away, Bob would always call and ask what he could do to help. He just wanted to help! We would always discuss business first, but our conversations always ended with him asking about how my daughters were doing. My oldest lives in Washington DC and Bob would always ask how she likes the city, then he would recall his time there when he was in the service. I loved those stories, and even though I heard them many times, they never got old!! He was always very passionate about baseball in our discussions. I am a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan and he is a die-hard Cubs fan, so our "jabs" at each other were always entertaining - man I am going to miss those!! The world has lost a great man and friend, but he will live on in our hearts forever. RIP my friend!! Keep watching over us! WWBD

Sherina Anderson

February 2, 2021

I have known many great men in my time and Bob Wiese is definitely in the top 5! He was an amazing mentor, a friend, a leader, and a great humanitarian. He cared about people and that in itself is one of the greatest attributes I can say about Bob. I met him when I was very young but throughout my life, I learned from him about integrity, opportunity, and perseverance. He always looked out for his family at work and helped everyone achieve their full potential. Ivanhoe Industries and the Wiese family have lost a great man, but so has the foam control industry as a whole and all of us who knew him personally. He lives a great void in our lives but is one that with hard work and great memories will be filled and fueled daily. My condolences go to his family, friends, and the Ivanhoe family. What a privilege it was to know Bob! Dear Lord please take care of him, and let him continue to watch over us.

Tim Rahn

February 2, 2021

What a way to live the American dream. Serving his country, getting educated, then building an empire that employed many.
I will miss the conversations with Bob encouraging me to live life now and not just look to retirement. My last talk with Bob he told me he was reading biography’s on historic world leaders to replicate their strengths. Even in his 90’s he didn’t stop learning.
He will be missed by many- cheers Bob, you did well!

Debbie Heerdegen

February 2, 2021

It was a gift to have known Bob. His enthusiasm for life and sharing it with the person sitting in front of him was insatiable. He wanted to know your journey and teach you lessons from his. Having met Bob only 10 years ago through business, the time together was too short, but is treasured. My heartfelt sympathy to Bob’s family and friends.

Joni Rahn

February 1, 2021

Bob was truly a mentor and we spent time talking about the value and accomplishments of working and the joy it could bring. Bob was family, friend and faithful to all. A life well lived indeed and an inspiration to all. Bob, you will be missed - enjoy life ever after , love

Karen Wiese

February 1, 2021

My father a remarkable man. Loved and respected by many, brilliant, focused, generous and compassionate. May he rest in peace with my sister, mother, his parents, and all of our ancestors who walked before him.

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