Haselhorst, Robert

Robert J. Haselhorst, 86 of Breese, formerly of Belleville, died Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at his home. He was born September 1, 1924 in St. Rose, son of Anton S. and Elizabeth R. (Nordmann) Haselhorst. He married Mary R. “Sally” Rakers on April 14, 1948 in Aviston and she preceded him in death on March 30, 2006. He is survived by his children, Norma Barthelme of Breese, Gary (Peggy) Haselhorst of O’Fallon, Robert C. (Michele) Haselhorst of New Baden, Julie (Robert) Ott of Freeburg, Karen Ott of Belleville, Ray (Shelly) Haselhorst of Belleville, and Jolene (Scott) Boswell of Louisville, KY; 20 grandchildren, Ryan Wright, Melanie Wright, Christin (Dan) Neubauer, Brett Lehnertz, Sara (Ivan) Hovden, Jon Barthelme, Jason Haselhorst, Jennifer (Micah) Derickson, Jonathan (Angie) Haselhorst, Amanda (fiancé, Shane Walden) Haselhorst, Kyle Haselhorst, Nathan Haselhorst, Erika Haselhorst, Rachel Haselhorst, Stephen (Phoebe) Ott, Stephanie (Scott) Pensoneau, Christina (Kaid) Yates, David Ott, Julia Boswell, and Liam Boswell; 15 great-grandchildren, Derek, Cade, Kennedy, & Kaeler Neubauer, Zachary Lehnertz, Hunter Loyett, Cambria & Taegen Derickson, Dominic Dolce, Belle Haselhorst, Keaton & Vaughn Hovden, Sophia & Abigail Ott and Colton Yates; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Rita Kalmer of Damiansville, Delores Langenhorst of Beaver Prairie, Johanna Heimann of Fairview Heights, James & Marilyn Rakers of Aviston, Julie & Walter Toennies of New Baden, and Charles Rakers of Aviston. He is also survived by friend Ceil Markus of Aviston. In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Nancy Ann Wright; a brother, Ray Haselhorst; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Rita Haselhorst, Anne & Vince Kalmer, Victor Kalmer, Vince Langenhorst, David Heimann, Dolores Rakers, Tony & Leona Rakers, Aloyisius & Rita Rakers, and Bernard & Clara Rakers; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ben H. & Gertrude (Hellmann) Rakers. Mr. Haselhorst founded Belleville Sport Sales in 1959 and was the owner and operator. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in WWII in the Pacific Theatre including Pearl Harbor. He was a member of St. Augustine Parish and Men’s Club in Breese, IBAA (Illinois Bass Anglers Assoc.), Mid State Bass Anglers Assoc., American Legion Post 252 in Breese, honorary life member of Knights of Columbus Council #2869, and a former member of Aviston American Legion Post 1239. He enjoyed fishing, golf, racing boats, and family and friends. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 15, 2011 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Breese with Rev. Vince Haselhorst officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery in Breese. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday, August 14, 2011 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Monday, August 15, 2011 at Hempen Funeral Home in Breese. The American Legion will visit the funeral at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be received at the funeral home.