William J. Vande Merkt

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William (Bill) J. Vande Merkt on November 17, 2025 in Burr Ridge, Illinois. Born to Albert and Barbara Vande Merkt on May 31, 1934 in Elmhurst, Illinois, Bill was one of four children.

Bill lived a full life to 91 years of age as a beloved son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, military service member, coach, educator, friend and dog lover.

A lifetime resident of Illinois, Bill grew up in Oak Park, attending Oak Park River Forest High School. He later attended Western Illinois University where he received his Bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts, studying architecture, woodworking, and metal work. He played quarterback for the Western Illinois football team, where he earned numerous football honors and set school records for total passing yards in a single season. Bill was inducted into the Western Illinois Hall of Fame in 1984. Bill went on to obtain his Master's degree in Education from Northern Illinois University.

It was at Western Illinois where Bill met his wife, Norma, with whom he just celebrated 69 years of marriage in August of 2025.

Bill was perhaps most well-known for his 34-year career at Riverside-Brookfield High School (RB), where he served as an educator, coach, and athletic director. During his tenure at RB, the athletic program grew from 7 to 20 sports. He worked closely with the Boosters to drive fundraising for the athletic programs and led the effort to bring lights to the football field. Bill also headed up the school's Driver Education department, training RB and local high school students on the rules of the road. His years of coaching football at RB, and the experience of working with the players and coaches throughout those years, were the highlight of his career. One of his greatest joys was coaching his son Scott in football, who played quarterback at RB from 1976-1980.

Bill also served our country in the Armed Services from 1957-1959. In 1957, one year into his tenure at RB, Bill was drafted. He served for 18 months in Augsberg, Germany as an infantry member of the 11th Airborne Division, eventually becoming part of the 34th infantry. He was part of a larger peacekeeping mission during the Korean War before heading home and back to continue his career at Riverside-Brookfield High School.

Bill retired from Riverside-Brookfield in 1990, leaving an enormous legacy behind him as he made an impact on the lives of hundreds of students, parents, coaches and administrators over the years. He will always be remembered for walking around the RB campus saying "It's Great to be a Bulldog!".

Off the football field, Bill loved spending time with his children and grandchildren - golfing, skiing in Wisconsin and Michigan, boating in Michigan City, Indiana, vacationing over spring breaks in Panama City Beach, Florida and spending summer weekends at his family lakehouse at Lake Holiday in Somonauk, Illinois.

Bill and Norma spent their early married years raising their children in LaGrange Park and then Riverside. After Bill's retirement in 1990, they moved to Naperville and eventually to Burr Ridge, where they resided in a cottage at the Burr Ridge Senior Living Center.

Bill is survived by his wife: Norma Vande Merkt, his children: Robin Adamchik (Bill) and Tracy Sloan (Jim), his nine grandchildren: William (Billy) Vande Merkt (Stephanie), Alexandra (Alleigh) Vande Merkt, Jack Vande Merkt, Shelby Adamchik, Will Adamchik, McKenna Sloan, T.J. Sloan, Charlie Sloan, and Braeden Sloan and his great granddaughter: Ava Lauren Vande Merkt.

He is preceded in death by his son: Scott William Vande Merkt (Jayne) and his siblings: Albert (Mary Ann), Joan Leakakos (Jim) and Richard (Betty).

In honor of Bill's wishes, there will be no public services. The family is planning a public celebration of his life to be held in 2026 with more information forthcoming. In addition, the family requests no flower or monetary donations at this time. The family is working on future donation opportunities to RB athletic programming in honor of his legacy.

Thank you to all of the people who touched his life throughout the years.