Robert Hespen

Robert K. Hespen, age 76, of Peotone, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at his home.

He was born on December 31, 1943 in Chicago, the son of Charles and Helen (Edwards) Hespen.  Robert married Jean M. Siemsen on February 8, 1969 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Peotone.  He was a 38-year educator at Arbor Park Middle School in Oak Forest, IL.  He was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Peotone and a lifetime member of the Tinley Park Historical Society.  He loved his family and teaching.  He also enjoyed talking about history, gardening, and agriculture/farming.

He is survived by his wife, Jean (Siemsen) Hespen; three children, Jennifer (Chad) Hix of Batavia, IL, Chris R. (Jennifer) Hespen of New Athens, IL, and Matthew E. (Rhea) Hespen of Manteno, IL; and seven grandchildren, Bryce Hix, Micaela Hix, Wyatt Hespen, Anna Hespen, Mackenzie Hespen, Brady Hespen, and Beckett Hespen.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Charles Hespen.

Due to the current circumstances, a private family service will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Saturday, May 23 at 11:00 a.m., Father John Regan officiating.  The funeral service will be available by live stream on the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home Facebook page.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Peotone Historical Society/Rathje Mill Restoration Fund, PO Box 87 Peotone, IL 60468 would be appreciated.  Watch the tribute video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs060QfqbhY&feature=youtu.be