INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Robert (Bob) E. Weiler, 72, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Indianapolis, Ind., on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023.

Funeral services will be Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Compton, with Pastor Jeff Schlesinger officiating. Visitation will be Friday, March 10, at Merritt Funeral Home in Mendota, from 5-7 p.m. with additional visitation at the church March 11 from 10 a.m. until time of service. The burial will immediately follow the service at Brooklyn Township Lutheran Cemetery in Compton.

Bob was born in Mendota on Feb. 18, 1951, to Elsworth and Helen (Shirley) Weiler.

Bob is survived by his sisters, Carolyn Becker of West Plains, Mo., and Linda Sullivan of Ottawa; his brother, John (Sheila) Weiler of Mendota; nieces Sherri (Rick) Jolliff, Anita (John) Thompson, Tracy (William) Ahlborg and Roberta (Call) Blackburn and nephews Leslie (Cecelia) Becker, Roger (Susan) Jackson, Leon (Melissa) Noel, Daniel Weiler and many beloved great nieces, nephews along with great-great nieces and nephews. Bob was also known as being a great friend; he leaves behind many dear friends who were like family to him including Gary Metcalf and Glen “Steve” Hawkins along with countless others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mildred Barry, one brother in infancy, brothers-in-law Michael Barry, Ronald Becker and Gerald Sullivan, and one niece, Shelli Jolliff.

Bob finished high school in Mendota and then went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Religion from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and his Master of Social Work and PhD/ABD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Bob had a long and distinguished career in social work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC). He was certified as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor IV and Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. In addition, he was an active member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Bob’s professional experience included working with youth services, child welfare, adult intellectual disabilities, and mental health and addictions. He also completed research and community service related to homelessness. From 1997-2006, Bob was an associate instructor and lecturer for the IU Division of Social Work, Northwest campus, Gary, Ind., where he also served as interim director from 2000-2002. His work outside of academia included providing outpatient psychotherapy in mental health and addictions. In 2007, Bob joined the IUPUI campus in Indianapolis as senior coordinator for the MSW Field Program. He became senior lecturer in 2012, and field administrator in 2013, at that time, serving in both capacities. He was dedicated to teaching and continued as senior lecturer and MSW field administrator at IUPUI until his passing. Bob’s honors and highlights include: • Co-Principal Investigator, Community Trust Grant, The National Center for Excellence in Homeless Services, 2019 • Co-Presentation, Ethics in Social Work Practice, IU School of Social Work, 2018 • Four (4) time Co-Program Director/Principal Investigator, National Homelessness Social Work Initiative • City of Indianapolis Continuum of Care (CoC), Program Application and Technical Assistance Committee (PATA) member, 2010-2019 • NASW Vice-President (Indiana Chapter), 2011-2014 • Principal Investigator, Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education (HPPAE) Grant, IU Northwest campus, 2008-2011 • NASW Region One Representative (Indiana Chapter), 2000-2002 • Social Worker of the Year for Region One, 2005. Although Bob’s professional accomplishments are extensive, his greatest accomplishments and titles were son, brother, uncle and friend. Bob loved his family and friends dearly and he will be deeply missed by all.

Pallbearers will be his nephews, Les Becker, Roger Jackson, Leon Noel; great nephews, Jacob Jackson, Joshua Noel, Tyler Noel; and best friends Glen “Steve” Hawkins and Gary Metcalf with Daniel Weiler serving as an honorary pallbearer.

Memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial to be established at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.