Robert August Wilhelm, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2022, at Heritage Health, Mendota surrounded by family.

Robert was born in Mendota, Illinois, on January 12, 1929, to Alice H. (Stamberger) and George F. Wilhelm.

He was confirmed at St John's Lutheran, Mendota, on April 18, 1943, graduated from Mendota High School in 1947 and married Jeanne E.K. Reid on July 1, 1951, at St John's Lutheran Church, Mendota.

Robert was preceded in death by a twin sister at birth, his parents, and one sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Warren Carlson. His wife Jeanne passed away on January 14, 2005.

He is survived by one sister, Joyce (Loren) Shaw of Markesan, Wisconsin; four children, Peggie Reddick and Roberta Wendel of Mendota, Cyndie (Charles) Phillippe of Kissimmee, Florida and Stephen Wilhelm of Austin, Texas; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Robert worked with his father on the family farm, growing crops, raising livestock and fowl, milking cows and keeping the apple orchard. In order to supplement his income he worked at the Star Gas Station from 1955 until 1960. He then worked at Wayside Press until his retirement at the age of 65. He maintained a very large garden on the family homestead until his mid eighty's, for which he received a garden-of-the-month award. He volunteered at Pads and Green Wing Bible Camp. He enjoyed bike riding to-and-from work as well as all over the countryside collecting cans, doing his part for the environment. The library was his favorite
destination. Nothing was more important to him than his family and church; often wondering how he ever had enough time to work with all of the things he did during his retirement. He enjoyed reading history, biographies, about what was new in science, and working Sudoku and picture puzzles. Robert was enthusiastic about Mendota High School sports, college football, especially the Big Ten; his favorite team was Notre Dame. He also followed professional sports, especially the Chicago Bears and Cubs. He loved going to the High School band concerts and plays. He encouraged his family to learn about other cultures and localities; never missing a single Travelogue when the Rotary Club hosted them at the high school.

Private family only services will be held at St John's Lutheran Church with Rev. Ken Gibson officiating. Burial will be in Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

Memorials may be sent to St. John's Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund, Graves-Hume Library or the Salvation Army.