Robert Clarence Konzelman, 73, passed away of natural causes on November 4, 2021, in his home.
He was born in Kankakee, Illinois on August 28, 1948, to Clarence J. and Marcia M. (Karlock) Konzelman. Robert loved his parents very much and cared for his mother in his home in her later years. Robert graduated from St. Anne Community High School with the class of 1966. He went on to attend Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, and achieve his Bachelor of Education in 1970 and a master’s degree in 1971. While at Butler University, Robert worked in the library to help pay for his education. During his years at Butler University, Robert made many good memories and several good friends and maintained those friendships over the course of his lifetime.
Robert worked for Culver Community Schools for over thirty six (36) years, retiring as the Science Department Head teacher. Robert greatly enjoyed teaching science and spent many hours developing challenging lesson plans and fun/educational laboratory experiments. Robert was very proud to have many students develop an interest in the sciences and go on to have successful careers in science. Robert was a member of the American Chemical Society, Kappa Delta Pi and National Education Honor Society.
In addition to teaching science, Robert helped with various clubs and activities at Culver Community including organizing and working with the Culver student council and helping to run the concession stand at sporting events. Robert did his best to teach his students science in a cheerful way by celebrating science in many fun ways such as having Mole Day (for those not chemistry aficionados – an unofficial chemistry holiday celebrated on a date that relates to Avogadro’s number, which is approximately 6.02 X 10^23), October 23rd, by wearing mole t-shirts and bringing in stuffed mole animals of the actual mammals. During the holidays, Robert would sing his tune of “frosty the chemist” to the students. Robert hoped greatly that his students would be well educated and successful in life.
As for Robert’s personal life, he enjoyed the art of cooking and visiting with friends. Robert loved his friends.
Robert is survived by many grateful students and good friends. Robert and the good friends of Robert would encourage all to be kind and to make time for friendship, loving, and caring for others that are not family by blood, but family by choosing.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. All are welcome from 11-1 p.m. prior in the funeral home.
Burial will follow in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Butler University Fund for Student Scholarships c/o Butler University, University Advancement, 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208.
Trent Bennett says
One of my favorite teachers in high school. Rest in Peace, Mr. Konzelman.
Cassie Ault (Ricks) says
He was a good teacher in school he will be missed my many
Tammy Southern says
One of my favorite teachers. Rest in peace Mr. Konzleman.
Krista (Hunneshagen) Van Horn says
Mr Konzelman’s passion for science helped steer me toward my career in engineering. I have fond memories of him in class and in Student Council!
Carrie (Slyh) Gillis says
He taught me for 3 years in high school. He was one of a kind and one of my favorite teachers. I learned a lot from him. I’m sorry to hear this news.
T.J. says
I was having a hard time in Chemistry, and Mr. Konzelman helped me almost every day after classes for awhile. I somehow still failed the the last regular exam of the year, I think due to pure anxiety. But I went on to do very well on the comprehensive final, giving me a decent final grade. I work in scientific research now, and I’m sure his help as a teacher contributed to my success. May he RIP.
Craig says
While we had our creative differences, I will always remember the “beaker bob” hand puppet fondly. This man had a passion for science, which should not be taken for granted. Rest In Peace, Mr. Konzleman.
Steve Brockus says
Mr Konzelman was my favorite teacher in high school. I really enjoyed his classes, sense of humor & appreciated his insight on the upcoming college experience.
May he rest in peace.
Jill Neidlinger says
I learned so much from Mr. Konzelman! My first semester of college chemistry (and part of 2nd) was review from his Chem II class. His love of chemistry carols at Christmas was so fun!!! Rest in peace!
Brandy says
Mr Konzelman challenged me and was always there to help if you had further questions. I learned so much from him. His impact will forever be with students of Culver. RIP. ❤️
Tim Howard says
RIP MR. Konzelman .
Herb says
As a fresh faced college graduate, Mr. Konzelman put up with my many questions as a Sophomore in Chem 1 and a Senior in Chem 2. He made college chemistry so much easier. Thanks for the help.
John Zehner says
Toughest high school class and the worste grade I ever got in high school yet one of my favorite teachers. He really cared that his students understood the real world to prepare for life being hard. He was also a great chemistry teacher. Having his class helped prepare me for college.
Joy Doty Sherrick says
Very sad to hear that we’ve lost Bob. He was the best teacher that I ever had – he truly cared about each and every student and he found creative ways to make science fun. He was my mentor as well as my lifelong friend. We kept in touch well beyond High School and he was part of our family holidays and celebrations. Bob was always delighted to share whenever a student of his went on to do great things. There were so many! I wouldn’t be who I am today without his support and encouragement along the way.
Bob Robertson says
RIP Robert. You made a difference in the lives of many students.
Rob Robertson says
I am one of Bob’s students, and now a science teacher myself. I think of him every day. ❤️
Ashley (Loehmer) Risner says
Mr. Konzelman’s influence was one of main reasons I chose to attend Butler University and go into teaching myself. He was a challenging, yet fun teacher. I have lots of memories from his classroom. May he now Rest In Peace.
Kirsten Vantwoud says
Mr. K was really patient with Billy and I. I won’t pretend to have enjoyed Chemistry Caroles but I was well prepared for anatomy at Purdue! Rest In Peace.
Sandy Master says
RIP Bob
Larry Vaught says
Sorry to say, I only just now learned of Mr Konzelman’s passing. He was a very good teacher, one of my favorites. I think I always disappointed him in that I didn’t choose to go to Butler and study chemistry. 🙂
He was wonderfully eccentric, sharing his special glee for chemistry with all of us. Whether it was a speeding particle across the room (chalk, of course), chemistry carols, keeping us honest in typing up near error-free lab reports, taking us on a tour of Butler & IMA & (of course) Strawberry Hill, detonating a large beaker (narrowly pulling the fume hood in time after dropping too large a chunk of sodium into water), stirring acid with his hand (dismissing it as weak molarity and then realizing about five minutes later that he forgot to rinse his hand because it was starting to sting), taking us out on the frozen lake to measure the oxygen content down below in the thermocline, teaching us organic nomenclature in high school (which I later used to help coach a friend through organic chem at Purdue even though I never took that class), getting a little too woozy from the ether we used in our fruit fly genetics experiments… [continued]
Larry Vaught says
…helping us burn through things with thermite, passing around orange Fiestaware, demonstrating stereoisomers by dropping optically mirrored but otherwise identical bouncing balls only one of which actually bounced, or relating how his hi-fi was so powerful that he could listen to it while mowing the grass – the man was one of a kind and a huge influence on my high school career.
My best to you, Mr Konzelman – you will live on through all the young people you influenced throughout your life.