Obituary of Robert Merrill Corwell

 Robert “Bob”Merrill Corwell, 89, of Sterling, died June 25, 2017 at Avonlea Cottages of Sterling.

Bob was born February 28, 1928 and raised in St. Albans, VT. He graduated in 1950 from Middlebury College in Middlebury, VT with a mathematics degree. Bob served in the United States Navy in Charleston, SC for two years and then worked for Travelers Insurance of Hartford, CT before being recruited to move to Sterling in July 1955.

Upon his Sterling arrival, Bob began his career in home building and realty with Beeler and Beeler (and later Family Tailored Homes), successful home construction companies and recipients of many achievement awards. Bob later opened the local Remax office, which became one of the dominant brokers of real estate in the Sterling, Rock Falls and Dixon area. He sold his position in Remax to pursue his retirement interests.

Bob took pride in his businesses and was particularly excited about bringing people together and creatively pursuing ways to help them with home and business ownership. He was an active member in numerous boards  community and civic organizations including president of the local Optimist Club (1964), Sterling Hospital Board board member, United Way and the JayCees. When he had time for other activities, Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, card playing and making mustard, applesauce and other culinary creations.

He leaves six children from his prior marriage to Doris Corwell- Linda Corwell of Minooka, Stephen (Kay) Corwell of Naperville, Julie Ford of Batavia, Gary (Kate) Corwell of Sterling, Brian (Jennifer) Corwell of Sterling and Jeffrey (Carol) Corwell (of Sterling), nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by parents Eugene and Myrtle (Casavant) Corwell and by son-in-law Karl Ford.

Special thanks to the helpful and compassionate staff of Avonlea Cottage of Sterling and Gaffey Hospice for their loving care of Robert during the last years of his full life.

Mass of the Christian burial is 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sterling, with Father Bruce Ludeke, officiating. Private burial will take place following Mass. Visitation is Tuesday June 27, 2017 from 5PM-7PM at Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation.

Should you wish to commemorate and celebrate Bob’s life through charitable giving please consider Gaffey Hospice or Newman Central Catholic High School.