Robert Franklin Mulch, Sr., 96, of Raymond, died on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at Tremont Ridge Assisted Living.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 10, at A Community of Faith in Raymond. The Rev. Lorna Blackford will officiate. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Harvel Cemetery.
Mr. Mulch was born on Feb. 6, 1929, a son to Frank and Frieda (Dauer) Mulch in Basco. He graduated from Hamilton High School and the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy. He married the former Martha Jo Nisi on April 21, 1951, in Sutter, and she preceded him in death in 2012.
Mr. Mulch was a lifetime farmer who established Mulch Farms, Inc. Earlier in his career, he also was the ag teacher at Farmersville and Pawnee high schools. Mr. Mulch was a founding member of the Illinois Association of Drainage Districts, a registered lobbyist representing the IADD and a past member and president of the Panhandle School District #2 Board of Education. He was a member of A Community of Faith church in Raymond and a Presbyterian elder.
Mr. Mulch is survived by his four sons, Dr. Robert (Dr. Barbara) Mulch of Timnath, CO, Thomas (Debbie) Mulch of Irving, Dr. Fred (Dr. Nancy Kime) Mulch of Long Grove, IA, and Mark Mulch of Anna, TX; sister, June (Carl Gene) Pfeiferling of Carthage; eight grandchildren: Matthew Mulch, Luke (Jennifer) Mulch, David (Vanessa) Mulch, Daniel (Dr. Rachael) Mulch, Jay Mulch, Andrew Mulch, Brittany Mulch and Lindsay (James) Pratte; 11 great-grandchildren, Haleigh, Daisy, Lydia, Caleb, Mason, Charlotte, Maymie, Anna, Emerson, Riley and Selah; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Mulch was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Mulch.
The family suggests memorials may be made to the Panhandle Food Pantry or to the Hillsboro Health Foundation. Hough-Dean Funeral Home in Raymond is assisting the family with arrangements. To sign the online guest book, light a virtual candle, or get directions, please visit houghfuneralhome.com.
