Lee Otis Mieure
Lee “Coach” Otis Mieure, a resident of Antioch, passed away Tuesday November 20, 2012, at the age of 83. He was born February 5, 1929 in Lawrence County, IL to Garl and Myrtle Mieure. Lee was a graduate of Eastern Illinois in 1952 with a teaching degree, and in 1963 earned his master’s degree in guidance counseling from University of Illinois in 1963. Lee was in education from 1952 until 1991 with his last 15 years at Antioch Community High School until his retirement in 1991 from the guidance department. Lee was a veteran having served for the US Army receiving his honorable discharge in August of 1948. He earned the World War II Victory Medal and the Army Occupation Medal of Italy. Lee was a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge # 525 in Antioch and a member of the Northern Officials Association (NOA) for over 30 years. As a member of the NOA he worked 3 IHSA Football Championships and officiated at the first 4A State Playoffs. He worked 2 IHSA Girls Basketball Finals which included the Tournament’s second year of existence. Lee was the Assignment Chairman for 3 conferences (North Suburban, Northwest Suburban, and Tri-County), consisting of 22 schools covering 6 sports (football, basketball, baseball, softball, wrestling, and volleyball). Lee was inducted into the Lake County Sports Hall of Fame being the first official to ever be inducted in 2003. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Lee is survived by his children Marcia (Wendy Gee) Fox, Judy (Bob) Bejcek, Tim (MaryEllen) Mieure, Greg (Sean Chuckas) Mieure, his grandchildren Tim Fox, Bob Carmody, Tom Carmody, Scott Carmody, Michael Carmody, Kim Burns, Katie Mieure, and David Mieure, his great-grandchildren Nicole Burns and Kyle Burns, his siblings Elsie (Wilbur) Pelham and Don (Judy) Mieure, his brother-in-law, Carl (Jane ) Hensley, and his best friend and companion Marilyn Vynalek. She was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Wanda “Jean” Mieure, his brothers Hubert, Harold, Gerald, John, Gene, Bob, and Roger, and his sisters Helen, Ruby, and Lois, and his granddaughter Kari Bejcek. Friends of the family may visit on Saturday November 24, 2012 from 4:00pm until 8:00pm at Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL. The visitation will continue on Monday November 26, 2012 from 10am until 12:00pm with the funeral service commencing at 12 p.m. at Emmons Macy Steffy Funeral Home 1303 12th Street Lawrenceville, IL. Interment will follow at the Lawrence City Cemetery in Lawrenceville, IL. Memorial contributions in Lee’s name may be made to the Antioch Rescue Squad.
To the entire Mieure Family;
I have been lucky enough to be a personal friend of Marcia and Wendy for almost 40 years. During that time I have been blessed with the opportunity to meet both Lee and Jean on several occasions. Each and every time they were most gracious and welcoming to me. Early on, even before I met Marcia, I knew Lee as a coach and guidance counselor at Antioch High School. He was an encouraging and positive influence early in my life and as I developed a close personal relationship with Marcia and Wendy we crossed paths on numerous occasions.
I will always remember Lee’s approach toward any task or leadership role whether it be organizing a less than talented construction crew or taking control of a sporting event as an umpire or referee he always took control in a very professional way. He reminded me of my own Dad in that there was almost no task too small or too complicated that he wasn’t willing to tackle…he truly was the Jack of all trades. Lee’s leadership and guidance on the construction site, ball field, or classroom will be a model that many will follow for years to come. His passing will leave a enormous void in his family, his community, and his huge circle of friends. I pray that he rest in peace…he earned it!
John Burnett