Robert J Verdun

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 11, 2015 in St. Paul Catholic Church in Odell, IL with Father Gerald Verdun officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:30 a.m. Saturday in the church. Burial will be in St. Paul Catholic Cemetery, Odell, IL. Memorials may be given to St. Paul Catholic School in Odell, IL, St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA or Saving Orphaned Animals in Shelbyville, IL. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.

Mr. Verdun was born on July 23, 1946 in Streator, Illinois the son of Joseph and Margaret Yendro Verdun. He graduated from St. Paul High School in Odell, IL in 1964. Bob continued his education at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 1969. He earned his Master’s degree at Bradley University in Peoria, IL in 1971. Bob’s education career began as an elementary and junior high school teacher at IVC District #321 in Chillicothe, IL from 1969-1971. He then was an Education Specialist for the Illinois Office of Education in Springfield from 1971-1973. In 1973 Bob became the Assistant Superintendent of Schools/K-3 Principal for Woodland Unit #5 School in Streator, IL. He then served as the Dean of Continuing Education & North Campus for Joliet Junior College, Joliet, IL, from 1975-1979. In 1979, as a resident doctoral student, Bob was an Instructor at Illinois State University, in Normal, IL. Bob then served as Superintendent of Schools for Octavia Schools in Colfax, IL from 1980-1984, Robinson Schools in Robinson, IL from 1984-1987, Alpena Public Schools, Alpena, MI from 1987-1991, Argenta-Oreana Schools in Argenta, IL from 1991-1994, Tonica Elementary Schools in Tonica, IL from 1994-1995, Hall High School District in Spring Valley, IL from 1995-2003, and Shelbyville CUSD #4 in Shelbyville, IL from 2004 until his retirement in 2011.

His professional memberships include the American and Illinois Associations of School Administrators, American and Illinois Associations of School Business Officials, and Phi Delta Kappa. Bob served on the Board of Directors and the Legislative Committee for the Illinois Association of School Administrators. He was a member of the Board of Education for Odell Community School Districts #435 and #160, serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee & Chief Negotiator.

Bob was a member of St. Columcille Catholic Church in Sullivan, IL and was involved in many community organizations, including Kiwanis and Rotary. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees in baseball and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in college football. He enjoyed playing golf and watching all sports. Bob was a loyal member of the “Lunch Bunch” in Shelbyville.

He is survived by his fiancée, Connie Hall of Shelbyville, IL; daughter, Kelly Whiteside (Mark) of Colfax, IL; sisters, Marlene Verdun (Jean) of Steeleville, IL and Marilyn Hoke (Dale) of Odell, IL; nephew, Ryan Hoke (Melanie) of Odell, IL; niece, Jenny Hamblin (Jason) of Lake Zurich, IL; and his much loved extended family, Chad Hall (Tammy) of Olney, IL and Alexis, Bobby and Bryce.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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