Dr. Frank W. Merrick

Dr. Frank W. Merrick, 90 of Glen Ellyn passed away peacefully on December 11 in his home. He made peace with his Maker, and in his own dignified way, said his goodbyes to his family. 

Frank was born June 20, 1932 in Saginaw Michigan to Marjorie and William Merrick. He married Barbara Johnson, who grew up across the street from his Saginaw home.  They were married nearly 65 years. They moved to Chicago after honeymooning there, as Frank began his residency in OB GYNE at University of Chicago. Their example of love and commitment has blessed the whole family. Frank and Barb have 3 children, Lorraine, Paul, and Andrew, all whom adore and appreciate their parents for building such a wonderful family life. Frank and Barbara have 10 beautiful grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Daniel Compton, Michael Compton, Andrea Compton, children of Lori and Dan. William Merrick, Tynan Merrick, sons of Paul and Jessica Merrick. Emma Sather, Gwendolyn Merrick, Tegan Merrick, Julia Merrick and JohnPaul Merrick, children of Andrew and Rhonda Merrick. Frank had deep, loving relationships with each of his grandchildren.  He has great grandchildren, Lilah and Nolan Compton, children of Michael and Stephanie Compton. 

Frank grew up in a single parent home and worked hard for his achievements. He drove a diaper truck to help pay for college and medical school, previewing his vocation of delivering babies.  He served as the manager for Albion's basketball team where he went to college.  He was known for shooting a higher free throw percentage than the players on the team, maybe that's why he loudly expressed frustration when his grandson would miss an occasional free throw in a game. He loved sports. Especially University of Michigan athletics, his medical school alma mater.  He was quite the verbal spectator, and somehow always saw trouble looming for his team. He was a southside enigma, in that loyal to his hometown Detroit Tigers, he could not root for the division rival White Sox.  He became an avid Cubs fan. Yes, he was in attendance for the fateful "Bartman" game, where the Cubs famously collapsed before getting to the World Series. 

He was a staunch believer in education. "My job is to educate my children, so that they become productive members of society."  He sent his children to Morgan Park Academy on the south side of Chicago, but only after vetting the school and comparing it to the public option.  He loved practicing medicine. He loved learning and growing. He quit his successful private practice in 1975 to work in a novel environment, Anchor HMO at Rush in downtown Chicago.  He willingly took a meaningful salary cut, in hopes of building a better model for care. He became the residency director for the OB Gyne program and helped teach nearly 100 OB physicians.  Despite his kind gentle demeanor, his fierce demand for excellence earned him a reputation as the professor you hoped to please. 

Being a doctor wasn't what he did, it’s who he was. By the time he retired at age 70, it’s estimated that he delivered the equivalent of a small town, some 7,000 babies. His love for family is revealed in that his interests commonly became the family's passions. He was an avid reader and became the family’s card shark. He loved sailing, travel, cooking and a nice glass of wine. Because his family loved him so much, those interests became our interests. Most of all, Frank was simply a good and honest man. He was determined to be a meaningful contributor to society. His example lives in all who survive him. And he will be missed.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the DMG Charitable Fund. You may Donate Online or mail your check to the DMG Charitable Fund, C/O DuPage Foundation, 3000 Woodcreek Dr., Suite 310, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515. Make checks payable to DuPage Medical Group Charitable Fund.

A Memorial Gathering will take place Sunday, December 18th from 3 PM - 6 PM at Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137. 

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