MERLE ALLEN

Merle C. Allen, 70, of Maple Park, Ill. passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 31, 2008, at Provena Mercy Center Hospital in Aurora. Born May 14, 1938 in Waterman, he was the son of Lester and Bernice (Krieger) Allen.
Merle grew up on the family farm, tending the fields and livestock every day before and after school. 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 NIU, where he finished his Master's degree in mathematics.
Merle worked for Zion High School as a math teacher for a time before teaching six years at Plano High School. Merle began teaching math at Waubonsee Community College in the second year of the college's existence, when it was still located in Yorkville. He continued there for 25 years until his retirement in 1993.
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 in Plano. They made their new life together back on the family farm, where they would share wedded bliss for the next 32 years.
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 and as well as secretary of DeKalb County Radio Watch for several years.
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 classroom, 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.
He now leaves his loving wife Anita; one sister, Marilyn (Virtus) McNary of Oswego; many nieces and nephews; and a family of friends.
He joins his parents, who preceded him in death.
The funeral to celebrate his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 4 at Foursquare Church of DeKalb, 210 Grove St. The Rev. Dennis Campbell, pastor of the church, will officiate. Interment will follow at East Pierce Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn.
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 http://www.conleycare.com.
For information, call 630-365-6414.