Richard "Mike" Vander Meer

VANDER MEER, RICHARD M. Richard (Mike) Vander Meer, 92 of Palos Park, formerly of Roseland community, died peacefully at home on February 2, 2011, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on Sept. 19, 1918 in Chicago, son of John and Ida Vander Meer of Roseland. Married 66 years to Ellen Jane (nee Bimestefer). Predeceased by his parents, brother Robert and sisters Eleanor Clausing and Marion. Graduated from Fenger High School in 1937 and attended Ray-Vogue Commercial Art School in Chicago. Served in the US Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945 and rose to rank of Sergeant; including a tour of duty in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater (Aleutian Islands). He returned to Roseland and worked in the family business, Vander Meer & Sons Coal and Oil Company. Started his own company, National Brands, a home remodeling business, which he operated until Oct. 2009. A long-time member of Builder’s Tee contractor’s club where he enjoyed weekly bowling and golfing. He was a faithful member of Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church. Mike loved the outdoors, including his vegetable garden, fishing and hunting. He is survived by his loving wife Ellen Jane, his children, Dennis (Laura) Vander Meer, Marcia (Gerald) Agema, Nancy (Ronald) Balogh; proud grandfather of Jason Vander Meer, Jerry Agema, Amy Cesarone, Michael Agema, Matthew Agema, Rebecca Balogh and Coleman Balogh; proud great-grandfather of Justin, Avery, Jakob, Mia and Zane. Visitation 2 to 9 pm on Friday February 11, 2011 at Chapel Hill Gardens South Funeral Home, 11333 S. Central Ave. Oak Lawn, IL with funeral service 10 am Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Chapel Hill Gardens South. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Palos Park Presbyterian Community Church, 12312 S. 88th Ave. Palos Park, IL 60464. For information call 708-636-1200 or visit www.chapelhillgardenssouth.com.