Richard Andler Obituary

I realize this is years later, & the odds of anybody reading it are slim, but I was in Mr. Andler's graduating class of 1975. Never in all my years of schooling, have I met a kinder, more caring man. He kept me interested & engaged. (not an easy job for someone with ADHD).
My best memory of him was at the end of the school year, he gave us a "final exam". He instructed the class to READ through it first. I did, & then I set my pencil down & left. The other kids quietly called me an idiot as I was leaving. Mr. Andler gave me a secret smile & "thumbs up" as I walked out. The reason: On the final exam, it said "After reading this, set your pencils down & leave. Have a good summer". He taught me the importance of following instructions. Thank you, Richard. Rest in peace. I've thought of you often through the years. Sincerely, Robert Weiss

I was in Mr Andlers very first class at Avondale. 1960 6th grade. He is standing beside me in two class pictures. Me being tall I was always on the end.. He got married while he was teaching that class. I've read about how good he was in later years but, I assure you, he was just as good at the beginning. He made a strong impression on me and I never forgot him.
May he rest in piece.. ...

I am a childhood friend of Ariane Andler, the oldest daughter of Dick and Vera. We have been friends since 1st grade (almost 34 years). I always felt comfortable at the Andler's home because of Mr. and Mrs. Andler. Mr. Andler wasn't one of those overwhelming Dads, he was very soft spoken and easy going. I can see why so many people thought he was such a wonderful school teacher, his daughters are an outstanding reflection of his teachings at home. My Mom and (late) Dad knew both Dick and Vera because of my friendship with Ariane. Over the years, my parents would go to the bank where Vera worked and would be gone for a long time because they were talking to Vera for so long! She was a staple at the bank in Niles where she worked for many years, I know that many people loved her. In later years, my Mom would see Dick at the Niles health club and they would chat. I know he will be missed by many. God bless this wonderful family during this difficult time.

What a great guy| Mr.Andler helped to shape our seven kids into people we could be proud of. He also helped to make Belding an outstanding Chicago public school, with his priciples and his humor. This world will this wonderful man.

I will miss my "Uncle Dick" dearly but take some comfort in the fact that he is, once again, at the side of his late wife Vera (the best Aunt anyone could ever have). I will always remember my Uncle as someone who was a great lover of history and never missed an opportunity to visit historical landmarks (especially related to the Civil War). Those who knew him know how much he loved his family…especially his wife, children, and grandchildren. Holidays will not be the same without him, but I know he and my aunt will always be there both in spirit and memory. His example will live on as part of the history he so much enjoyed. Goodbye Uncle Dick…thanks for all of your advice and help through the years. Tell Aunt Vera I said hello.

I remember when I came to Belding I could'nt wait to be in his class because everyone said how "cool" he was, I learned alot from him, and I am sorry to see him go it is a great loss, He was a great teacher.

It seems like a very long time ago that I sat in the first seat in the first row in Mr. Andler's room at Belding in the class of 1973. Some of my best memories of school come from Mr. Andler-his stories and ability to connect with kids in a way that made me want to go out and become the absolute best person I could be. He was one of the all time greats...

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

The family of the late Clarence Gast would like to extend their sympathy. We are Richard's cousins from Earlville, IL



Mr and Mrs Robert Gast

LaVerne Gast

Mr and Mrs Chuck Botts

I am a past president of the Belding PTA and parents of two of his former students. I had the pleasure of working with him in the remodeling of Belding. He was a real nice person. My sincere sympathy to his daughters and grandchildren.

I am a childhood friend of Richard's eldest daughter-Ariane. Ar and I have been friends for 23 years. During our jr. high and high school days we spent many days/ nights at the Andler residence. I always remember Richard (Mr. Andler, back then) greeting "us girls" with a smile and an invitation to come in, eat and make yourself at home. When I got a teaching job in Chicago, he said to me, "why did you go and do that for" with a laugh. My heart goes out to Araine and Alyssa. May the memories of your dad comfort you in the coming weeks and months.

A special man and wonderful friend. He touched us all with his clever wit and his intense interest in life. He was dedicated to those who were his students and his friends. A most devoted husband, doting father and grandfather. He leaves a void in many hearts.

With affection,

May God rest his wonderful soul.

I was one of the many lucky students at Belding to have had the pleasure of learning from Mr. Andler. I was in the class of 1975, and We all learned quickly that Mr. Andler had a great sense of humor, when on the first day of class he announced " My name is Mr. Andler, Not Antler. Don't get it wrong." Mr. Andler taught us to be honest and respectful of others. But he always lead by example. I was lucky enough to speak with Mr. Andler a few years ago at Mr. Wright's retirement party, and I was looking forward to seeing him at our 30 year reunion. I guess God needed a new Assistant Principal so he called Mr. Andler home. We will all miss him. I send my deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends in this most difficult time. It will be a long time before this earth will see a man like Mr. Andler.

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr Andler. I was a student of his at Belding, the Class of 75. He was wonderful person and a great teacher. I had the pleasure of seeing him in 1990, his willingness to come to the reunion showed how dedicated he was to his students.

Mr. Andler was a remarkable teacher and friend. I loved his humor, his kind heart and the love he had for teaching. I was looking forward to seeing him again at our reunion. We had a great time with him at the last one. (graduating class of 1975) He will be missed.

I had the opportunity to be one of Mr. Andler's students in the graduating class of '75. Mr. Andler was one of few teachers who could keep me focused while in class for which I have always been thankful. I had the opportunity to share my gratitude with him during our reunion in 1990. I have always held Mr. Andler and his peers at Belding in the highest regards and know that I was one of the fortunate ones for him to share his stories, humor, and knowledge with.



It was evident the mutual respect and admiration he had with his peers that influenced our classes which is represented in our 1990 and upcoming class reunion allowing us to reflect back as if it were yesterday.



My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and those of us who were lucky to have him influence our lifes as our teacher.

Please accept our sympathy at the passing of your dad / grandfather / uncle. Both Wally and I always enjoyed talking with "Uncle Dick" whenever we had our family get-togethers. He will truly be missed.

Both Dick and Vera held a special place in my heart. I was lucky to work with Vera for many years at First National Bank of Niles. I also had the honor of getting to know Alissa while doing community theatre in Gurnee. My prayers are with the family. I'm sure Vera is happy to have her soulmate beside her once again.

I remember coming to Belding School as a new teacher. Dick was an 8th grade teacher and assistant principal. He helped me adjust to my new position and made me feel welcome. I missed him when he retired, and my heartfelt prayers go out to the family of this kind and often humerous man.

I will always remember 2 things about Mr. Andler:



1. Roy G Biv for the colors in the spectrum



2. The joke he used to always tell the new kids that hadn't already heard it, about an old battle injury to his shoulder. He would lift his arm all the way up over his head and say "I used to be able to lift my arm this high..." and then put it 1/2 way down and say "but now I can only lift it this high."



He was one of the many good teachers that many of us had the pleasure and priviledge of knowing and learning from at Belding.



RIP Mr. Andler, and my condolences & best wishes to his family and friends.

Mr. Andler was my teacher at Belding and I remember him as one of my favorite teachers (Belding Class of 1975). We held a class reunion in 1990 and I was able to see him again after 15 years. Meeting him again after all those years was a memorable experience. He taught us to work and study hard and to enjoy learning. I want to pass on my condolences to his family and friends.



Mike Reid

Mr. Andler was our 8th grade teacher at Belding in 1975. We are planning our 30+ year grade school reunion for next month and I had just spoken with him earlier this summer. He was so looking forward to coming and seeing all of us-as much as we were looking forward to seeing him. It won't be the same without him there. He will be missed, he was a great teacher with a kind heart.