Robben, Lawrence

Lawrence G. Robben, 91, of Breese, died Friday, November 4, 2011 at Breese Nursing Home in Breese. He was born January 4, 1920, son of B. Henry and Rose (Kapp) Robben. He married Ferne Ellen Alexander on July 4, 1942 in St. Louis, MO and she preceded him in death on January 24, 2003. He is survived by his children, Larry Wayne (Sandy) Robben of Cocoa Beach, FL, Allyn (Leonard) Harper of Omaha, NE, Carla (Ken) Haselhorst of Aviston, IL and Kent (Connie) Robben of Breese, IL; 13 grandchildren, Carrie (Mark) Shellmeyer, Christa (Jon) Newell, Aaron (Becky) Harper, Zachary (Jen) Harper, Jacob (Meg) Harper, Mallory Harper, Laura (Craig) Mueller, Kendra (David) Bull, Matthew Haselhorst, Benjamin (Kathy) Altgilbers, Andrea (Sam) Schwarm, Jonathon Robben, and Caleb Robben; ten great-grandchildren; step-brother, Eugene (Emma) Niemeyer of Breese: and a brother-in-law, William Alexander of Port Orange, FL. In addition to his wife and his parents he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Elizabeth Ann (Strake) Niemeyer Robben; a sister and brother-in-law, Rose Marie "Dolly" & Bernard Brefeld; a brother and sisters-in-law, Bob and Dolores Robben and Gertrude Robben; step brothers and step sisters, Charles "Nip" (Agnes "Smitty") Niemeyer, Florence Niemeyer, Albert Niemeyer, Dorothy Niemeyer, Dorothy Niemeyer, Catherine Niemeyer; and 2 sisters-in-law, Verla Alexander and June Ellen Alexander. Mr. Robben and his wife owned and operated the Breese Ben Franklin for 43 years and retired in 1982. He was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps and served during WWII. He was a member of St. Dominic Parish and St. Augustine Parish in Breese and was also a member of the American Legion Post 252 in Breese. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Rev. Patrick Peter officiating. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Saturday, November 19, 2011 at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Mater Dei Foundation and will be received at the church or Hempen Funeral Home who is in charge of arrangements.