Robert “Merc” P. Mercier, 79, died June 14, 2008
Robert “Merc” P. Mercier, 79, of Shell Lake, died Saturday, June 14, 2008, at Wellstead of Rogers, Minn.
Robert “Merc” P. Mercier, 79, of Shell Lake, died Saturday, June 14, 2008, at Wellstead of Rogers, Minn.
He was born Aug. 2, 1928, in Dallas, Texas, to Edmund and Lucile (Charlesworth) Mercier. Bob grew up in Superior where he attended Cathedral High School. Bob spent two years as midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior where he studied teaching, administration and guidance in the education field. Bob was also known for his reputation as a Golden Gloves boxing champion.
He served as a first lieutenant in the National Guard for 10 years and was an excellent all-around athlete. Bob was an outstanding sportsman where his passions included hunting, fishing, trap and skeet.
Professionally, Bob was a teacher in the Minong and Shell Lake school systems for 20 years where he taught high school social studies and coached football, as well as basketball and baseball during his earlier years. He also spent time as the park and recreation director in Shell Lake. Bob loved working with kids and was a mentor to many.
Bob was a ski instructor at Lockhaven and Telemark on weekends during the winter months and was involved in the U.S. Ski Association as a ski instructor examiner and as a member of the U.S. Demonstration Team. During his summers, he was a counselor at Camp Horseshoe for Boys in Minong, as a waterfront and tripping counselor. Myke joined him for 10 days each summer to run the Wilderness Point outpost camp. In 1971, Bob and Myke took over the directorship of Camp Horseshoe on a full-time basis, which they did until 1984. Prior to retirement, Bob did one last stint as the general manager of the Grumman Boat Factory in Minong.
He was married in Superior on June 16, 1951, to Marilyn Klang who preceded him in death on June 30, 2006. He was also preceded in death by his son, Robert Jr., and his parents.
He is survived by two daughters, Robin Mercier of Minneapolis, and Kimberly (Jeff) Coran of Bloomington, Minn.; one grandson, Max Coran; and many friends and relatives.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shell Lake, with the Rev. Andrew Ricci officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Shell Lake. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Pockat Funeral Home, Shell Lake, and one hour prior to service on Thursday.
www.pockatfuneralhome.com or 800-882-8535.
Tags: obituaries, robert, mercier
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