Robert Dean Mericle

Robert Dean Mericle, at the age of 94, passed away February 8, 2021. Bob resided in Canyon Lake since 1955 and had previously resided in Whittier for 44 years. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy, of 64 years.

Bob was born in Nebraska on September 11, 1926. He attended Nebraska schools in Norfolk, Seward, David City and Harvard, graduating from Chadron State College in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He served in the Navy during WWII from 1944–1946 in the Pacific Theater. His work career of 34 years was with Rockwell International as an Engineering Manager.

In 1949, he married Dorothy Ann Heiliger at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Las Vegas, NV. He and Dot had three sons, David, Jay and Mark. In addition to Bob’s serving in the Navy, his father served in WWI, oldest son, David, during the Vietnam conflict and cold war era and grandson, Scott, in the post cold war era. His son, Jay, is semi-retired and coaching water sports at Esperanza High School in Yorba Linda while youngest son, Mark, is a PGA carded golf instructor and a principal owner of Legacy Brewing Company located in Oceanside, CA. In 2013, his wife of nearly 64 years died on her 85th birthday. In 2014, he married Cora Sue Wysong whom both he and Dot had known through their church. Cora Sue sang with Dot in the church choir. Marriage vows were given at First Lutheran Church, Lake Elsinore, CA on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2014 with Rev. Kevin Kolander officiating.

Bob was a devout member of First Lutheran Church of Lake Elsinore and had served in a variety of capacities in the lay administration of the church. In addition to his wife, Cora Sue (Susie), her two children and their spouses, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, survivors include Bob’s three sons and their wives, 8 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren as well as 23 nieces and nephews.

Interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery for family members with a Memorial Service to be held at First Lutheran Church, February 26, at 2:00 P.M. in Lake Elsinore.