Robert Paul Zerwekh
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Family services for Robert Paul Zerwekh, 84, Lawrence, will be held at a later date. Robert passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023, at LMH Health.
Robert was born on February 25, 1939, in Peoria, Illinois, the son of Robert J. and Beatrice Lewis Zerwekh.
He was a professor for the University of Kansas for 39 years in the Engineering Department.
He was a fantastic artist and had numerous art shows.
He married Marilyn Bevan on May 26, 1974, at Danforth Chapel in Lawrence, KS. She survives of the home.
Other survivors include his four sons, Jeffrey Smith of Louisiana, Rob Zerwekh of Mission, KS, Richard Zerwekh of Lawrence, KS, Michael Zerwekh of Carlsbad, California: his sister, Emily Rosenak, Peoria, Illinios and a grandson, Everett Robert Zerwekh.
He was preceded in death his parents and his nephew, Jeff Bevan.
The family suggest memorials in Robert’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation or to KU Endowment and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to www.warrenmcelwain.com.
Bob was a wonderful colleague and mentor when I first got to KU as Director of the Biodiversity Institute and Museum, guiding me through the many alleys of research administration and opportunity, providing support for innovative research ideas, and, above all, striving to ensure the success and well-being of the staff and students.
Bob and I were scientists, me in biology and he in engineering, and we interacted in many ways over the years. He was a wonderful human being, a truly caring individual. While I had known that he was an artist, I had no real idea of his enormous talent until I retired. At that time my colleagues contracted with Bob to paint for me a personalized picture, depicting many aspects of my final years serving in the Office of Academic Affairs. In every respect it is a masterpiece, and hangs in a place of prominence in our home where I see it every day. Unfortunately, we also shared several years of experiences in our later lives relating to a common health issue. Bob, you will be missed, but my memories of you will not dim until it’s time for my obituary. RIP
I knew Bob as a fellow professor in the School of Engineering. Although we worked in different departments, I got to know Bob through different school functions, committees, etc. He was a delight to work with always exhibiting the character of Christ. We did not stay in touch after our retirements but I will never forget him; in fact, I look forward to spending eternity with him in heaven.
Marilyn and family,
We are sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. John and I enjoyed having you and Bob as nearby neighbors on Topeka Lane. Bob was often seen interacting with his sons. With his pleasant demeanor Bob was an excellent choice to become a staff member in the KU Strong Hall office where I worked. Bob quietly went about addressing issues and helping individuals. Many people enjoyed Bob’s artistic talent. His paintings were so realistic that it appeared that you would be able to pick up a ripe tomato off of the window sill. While I was in a local framing shop with a framing project, I noticed a painting awaiting a frame. I commented to the employee that the still life looked so real it must be Bob Zerwekh’s work. The employee told me that the painting had just resulted in him being reprimanded by his employer for being careless in leaving paper currency (depicted in the painting) lying on the work bench. May your memories comfort you.
What wonderful neighbors you were on Topeka Lane. Thanks for giving our daughter, Becca, her first official job (lawn mowing) and teaching her the finer skills of that. Blessings on your family.
What a good soul Bob was. I worked with him in the mid-90s when he was with Office of Research. He mentored me through many research management issues with patience and care. Fond memories our time working together.