Robert B. “Bob” Hemmer, age 79, of Quincy, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Blessing Hospital, with his wife of fifty-two years by his side. Bob was born on February 14, 1938 in Quincy, IL the son of Bernard L. and Irma J. (Miller) Hemmer. He married Mary Jo McGinnis on November 6, 1965 in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Bob graduated high school from Quincy Notre Dame in 1956. He attended Gem City Business College. Bob served in the US. Army, and in 1964 was recognized by the Chicago Sun Times as a top Army reservist. He retired as a route supervisor after working 42 wonderful years at Pepsi-Cola, where he began his career as a route salesman.

Bob was a 12-year member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the “Table of Knowledge,” a group of coffee drinkers, who regularly gathered at the McDonald’s near the Quincy Mall. Most importantly, Bob was an avid sports fan who rooted for the Chicago Cubs and was absolutely thrilled to see them win the World Series in 2016! He was also a fan of University of Notre Dame Football, the Chicago Bears and NASCAR. One of his greatest joys in life was spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved nature and diligently fed the birds and squirrels in his yard through every season.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary; four children; Mike (Erin Abeln) Hemmer of St. Louis, MO; Nancie (Kevin) Houghton of Quincy, IL; Amy (Chad) LeGrand of Keokuk, IA; and Jen (Jeff) Lacey of San Diego, CA; seven grandchildren, Brittany, Taylor, and Kale Houghton; Samantha, Delanie, and Everly Hemmer; Dylan Lacey; and one sister-in-law, Pattie Hemmer of Peoria, IL; many nieces and nephews; and his loyal dog, Wrigley.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jack; and his beloved dog, Bailey.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the doctors and nurses who cared for Bob at Blessing Hospital, especially his Hospice nurse, Melinda.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 9:30 am in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #37 and the Illinois National Guard Funeral Honors Detail.

Visitation will be Friday evening from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Those attending are invited to wear Cubs or Fighting Irish gear in honor of Bob’s favorite teams.

In lieu of flowers,memorials may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Quincy Humane Society or to the Donor’s Choice.