Robert Leroy Hemken, 79, of Walshville, died unexpectedly on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at his residence.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Sorento. A private family burial will be held at Kirkland Cemetery in Sorento.
Mr. Hemken was born Sept. 2, 1942, in Litchfield, to Henry Otto and Betty Cloe (Jackson) Hemken. He married Lillian R. Widner on June 30, 1964, in Litchfield, and they enjoyed over 58 years of marriage. She survives.
He worked as a laborer in the Hillsboro Local 1084 from 1970 until his retirement in 2003.
Mr. Hemken loved raising foxhounds, deer and turkey hunting, camping and watching old western movies. He especially loved mowing and keeping his yard manicured well.
He mowed the Walshville Community Building grounds and Walshville Park for many years, just recently stopping this current year. He was a member of the Walshville Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Hemken is survived by his sons, Robert W. Hemken, Ron L. (Shelly) Hemken and Lance (Shelby Thompson) Hemken, all of Walshville; grandchildren, Ashley (husband Brian) Hemken Howard, Whitney (Chris Roddick) Hemken, Katie (Zack Schoate) Hemken and Gabby Thompson, all of Walshville; four great-granddaughters; four great-grandsons; siblings, Deanna Bruntjen, Terry (Cathy) Hemken, both of Litchfield, Karen (Dan) Pence of Walshville and Judy (Chad Cunningham) Allen of Sorento; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and stepmother, Elsie Hemken.
Memorials may be directed to Shoal Creek Fox Hunters Association, 290 Ripson Bridge Ave., Sorento, IL 62086.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com.
