Robert J. Feldhake, age 78, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Friday afternoon, September 25, 2020, at his home.

     He was born October 24, 1941, in Effingham, the son of Robert A. and Agnes (Bussman) Feldhake.  He married Elizabeth “Betty” A. Meyer in Springfield on June 1, 1963, and together they have shared 57 wedding anniversaries together.

     Robert had worked for the shoe factory in Flora and went on to start a career with the U.S. Postal Service beginning in 1974 in Effingham as a mail sorter.  He was promoted to supervisor of mail and delivery and took assignments as the officer-in-charge at Teutopolis and Robinson.  In 1988 he was named Postmaster of Louisville, a position that he retired from in 2001.  Robert welcomed opportunities for spending one-on-one time with his children and grandchildren, and when he could go fishing, camping, hunting, and horseback riding.  He also farmed and was a creative woodworker making keepsakes and furniture for his family.  He was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church of Flora, the Louisville Rotary Club, an honorary member of the Louisville American Legion, and a proud card-carrying supporter of the NRA.

     He is survived by his wife: Betty Feldhake of Louisville; 5 children: Christina Feldhake of Flora, Tony (Joyce) Feldhake of Hord, Cheryl (Larry) Burroughs of Louisville; Bonnie (Mike) Bailey of Louisville; and Tim (Michelle) Feldhake of Clay City; 10 grandchildren: Jonathan (Cassie) Guinn of Xenia, Crickette (Michael) Bolyard of St. Peter, Jenna (Evan) Smith of Xenia, Joshua (Taylor) Burroughs of Louisville, Shelby (Jarvis) Eastin of Oakland City, IN, Levi Bailey and Garon Bailey of Louisville, Amber (Cody) McGee of Flora, Zachary (Taylor) Feldhake of Louisville, and Colten Feldhake of Clay City; 13 great-grandchildren along with one more on-the-way; 10 siblings: Diana Greuel of Louisville, Steve Feldhake of Watson, Marilyn (Wayne Deaton) Feldhake of Xenia, Rosalie (Paul) Weidner of Clay City, Max Feldhake of Louisville, Roy (Vicki) Feldhake of Louisville, Linda Feldhake of Chrisman, Jayne Feldhake of Louisville, Kathy (Jerry) Price of Rinard, and Pat (Tom) Greenwood of Xenia.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law: Susan Feldhake. 

     A funeral ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 1, 2020, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Father Charles Anyaoku officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Stephen Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home and a rosary ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m.  Memorial donations are suggested to either Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude Children’s Hospital and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a memory or condolence, visit: www.frankandbright.com