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Robert Hulseman
1932 - 2016
Robert Hulseman
1932 - 2016
Obituary
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BORN
1932
DIED
2016
Robert Hulseman Obituary
Donnellan Family Funeral Services in suburban Chicago announced the death on its website.
Country music star Toby Keith immortalized the ruby-hued container in the 2011 song "Red Solo Cup," penned by songwriters Brett Warren, Brad Warren, Brett Beavers, and Jim Beavers.
On Thursday, reacting to the news of Hulseman's death, Keith tweeted, "Raise one for this good man today. RIP #RedSoloCup." The singer included a Twitter link to a news article about Hulseman as well as a YouTube link to Keith’s "Red Solo Cup" video.
In 1936, Hulseman's father, Leo, launched the Solo Cup Co., which made disposable paper and plastic tableware in Highland Park, Illinois. Robert Hulseman started working at the business when he was 18.
"Over the course of nearly 60 years," the funeral home's obituary said, "he worked in a variety of roles and oversaw the company’s growth into one of the largest foodservice packaging companies in the world, ultimately serving" as president and CEO before retiring.
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Hulseman created the 12-ounce red plastic cup during the 1970s. He also created the Traveler plastic lid.
In December 2009, Solo Cup Co. shuttered its longstanding Highland Park operation and moved to nearby Lake Forest, Illinois. In May 2012, Dart Container Corp. acquired the Solo Cup Co.
Hulseman's wife of nearly 60 years, Sheila, and a daughter, Jean Kloos, preceded him in death. Seven sons, two daughters, and several grandchildren survive him.
86 Entries
MA
March 8, 2017
What a wonderful invention!
To the family,
I send you my deepest condolences. Psalms 55:22 tells us to throw our anxieties on the True God and he will sustain you. May comfort in his promises bring you relief.
Lisa Kowalski, Jagura
February 9, 2017
To the Hulseman family, please accept my sincere condolences. Peggy and I were classmates in VA in the early eighties. I have many memories of checking the bottoms of cups to find the SOLO name imprinted on the bottom. What a wonderful legacy he leaves. My thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and your family.
Michael Dougherty
January 9, 2017
Dear Hulseman Family,
We are so sorry for your loss and join the chorus singing the praises of Robert. His support of the mission Josephinum Academy has made such a significant and lasting impact in the lives of so many young women. The Josephinum community sends our love, thoughts, and prayers to your family.
Most kind regards,
Michael Dougherty
Jeannine Fay Mood
January 9, 2017
My condolences to the Hulseman family as I learned about the passing of Robert Hulseman .Although I have long known about Solo cups, what I remember even more closely is knowing Dick Hulseman, whom I remember with great fondness from my time in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. I am not surprised to see the tributes to who the man was. I am encouraged to know how much Mr. Hulseman's commitment to caring about others has spread to those who knew him, and spread among his family. Praying that you will find comfort in where he is now.
How you can show support
Sister Michelle Germanson, O.P.
January 8, 2017
On behalf of the Trinity High School Community, I send our deepest support of love and prayers. Bob and Sheila were most generous in their friendship as well as financial support. I truly consider Bob a dear friend. He taught me many life lessons. thinking of Bob and Sheila truly puts a big simile on my face!
January 6, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. I hope the good memories of him bring you comfort when you need it the most.
Elaine and Edwin Holzhauer
January 5, 2017
Both my wife and I have fond memories of working for the Hulseman Family at the Urbana faculty.
My wife worked in the Solo Cup Printing Department as a scheduler and aa the department's supply buyer.
I worked in the Urbana Plant as the Plant Engineer.
During both of our tenure(s) with Solo Cup, we both had many occasions to work and learn from Mr. Hulseman (Robert).
Elaine and I thank the Hulseman Family & Solo Cup for their support of our family.
Our Four (4) oldest children received help during their college years - (both scholarships and through the opportunity to work during Summer Breaks).
Again we are extremely grateful to be part of the SOLO CUP Family!
Valenda Newell
January 5, 2017
PRAYERS and BLESSINGS
D Sample
January 3, 2017
May the God of tender mercy be with the family at this difficult time.
January 3, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss, please take comfort and knowing that our love ones have a hope. (John 17: 3 NWT)
Phillips
January 3, 2017
May the God of comfort give the peace needed during this time My prayers are with you
~ With deepest sympathy ~ G.W.
January 2, 2017
I'm so very sorry for your loss. May fond memories and the hope from God's word bring you comfort during your time of grief.
L
January 2, 2017
My deepest condolences Hulseman Family Im truly sorry for your loss.May the peace from God that surpasses all understanding comfort you at this time.
Matthew
January 1, 2017
He was an honorable man.What a legacy he leaves.To all his children and family my heartfelt condolences.Rest in Peace Sir!
john miller
January 1, 2017
I had the pleasure of working for Mr Hulseman in the 80s and it was a pleasure. The man always wore a smile. May he rest in Peace.
L W
December 31, 2016
I'm so sorry for for your loss. Know that the God of all comfort is near to all who call on him in truth. (Psalms145:18,19). Please call on him for needed comfort and strength.
T Glenn
December 31, 2016
Losing a loved one is never easy, but our loving God promises to give the strength and courage you'll need to endure, and to cope with the pain of your loss. (Isaiah 40:29) At Hosea 13:14 he promises to empty the graves of our loved ones. Our tears of pain will be replaced with tears of joy! Let us continue to pray for the fulfillment of Matthew 6:9-11 and rejoice in the hope of seeing your loved one again.
Wayne Guzak
December 31, 2016
May the Lord keep Mr Hulseman, as he was a great man. He offered me a job and guided me thru a year of learning his operation. His office was always open to me, as were his offers of help. I didn't stay with Solo, which was probably a decision I'll always regret. He was the Best Leader I was privileged to work for. He was generous to employees and their families and asked only a fair days work. Rest in Peace
Stephen McCarthy
December 31, 2016
To the entire Hulseman Family.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of your Father. Over a 12 year period I had the privilege to work with him on a number of projects and forge both a professional and personal relationship with him. Along the way I had the opportunity to also meet your mother and many of you as well.
Working with your Father was something I always looked forward to. I enjoyed his wit, valued his ideas and insights on each project and developed a special respect for him.
He was a wonderful man who had a kind manner and he had a way of making you feel valued.
He made his mark and leaves this world a better place.
Andrew Sedensky
December 31, 2016
My appreciation is deep for the Hulseman family that allowed their daughter, Jean, to volunteer at Sojourner House and that contributed to the same for services to homeless families. My thoughts and prayers to the family..
December 31, 2016
Truly saddened to hear about Robert Hulsemen. His fine legacy will surely be remembered. May he forever live in our hearts and in God's book of life.
L
December 31, 2016
May you be comforted by the promise at Job 33:25 when Robert will return to the days of his youth and the infirmities of old age will be removed forever. job 33:25
December 31, 2016
Praying for your family.
Julia Parks Soxman
Tammy Gerges
December 31, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family at this difficult time. Please find peace in knowing that God understands your grief and that he cares. 1 Peter 5:6&7 assures us "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."
December 31, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
R D
December 31, 2016
Please except my condolences in the loss of your dear beloved one. May you take courage and strength from the inspired of Hosea 13:14.
Anthony Mccrea
December 30, 2016
To the Hulseman family, my condolences goes to you for the loss of Robert. It's sad to hear of the death of a notable person who was also a husband and father. May the God of all comfort provide sustenance for the family during this time in order to endure.
Dar H
December 30, 2016
To the Hulseman family.
I am very sorry for your loss.
May the words at John 6:44 give you
comfort at this very difficult time.
christian
December 30, 2016
May your heavenly father who sees your pain of heart give you the needed strength and comfort in this most sorrowful time.
December 30, 2016
As we experience these traggic losses we can have faith that God will strengthen us to endure the pain. God will make sure you have the comfort you need in order for you to endure the loss. He will provide your family with the needed strength to endure the loss of your love one.
carlotta
December 30, 2016
May the God of all peace bring comfort to the Hulseman family and friends at this difficult time.
Emma Riggin
December 30, 2016
R.I.P.Mr.haulseman
Marjorie Harris
December 30, 2016
My deep condolences
December 30, 2016
To the family, may God give you peace and comfort.
SBM Bronx,NY
Delores Hastings
December 30, 2016
Sending sincere sympathy to all of the Hulseman Family.
John Ayers
December 30, 2016
I will always remember Bob and his wife when I see a package of Saltine crackers and look at the edge of the crackers and noticed that about every twentieth has a dark edge, it was a great discussion one evening in the beautiful home in Desert Mountain Scottsdale, Arizona, rest in peace Bob.
Maty Wallis
December 30, 2016
Peggy,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. You and Joe and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jim and Mary Wallis and family
Harry Simpson
December 30, 2016
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Juanita
December 30, 2016
Sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved.
"And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."
Re
Cheryl Lynn
December 30, 2016
My sincere condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.
December 30, 2016
My deepest sympathy on your loss and may God comfort you during this difficult time ( John 11 : 25 ).
Mimi Thompson
December 30, 2016
To the entire Hulseman family, please accept my deepest sympathy.
Peggy was a dear friend of mine for way too short a time in college. I just heard of your father's passing on my local radio station in PA! I have great memories of stories of your dad, & always think twice about proper dress for commercial flights! What a great legacy he leaves behind as he moves on to a life of eternal peace!
You will all be in my thoughts & prayers.
December 30, 2016
I offer condolences for your loss. May your family have peace and comfort in knowing it has been promised sickness pain and death will one day be no more.
Shannon
December 29, 2016
My condolences to the Hulseman family during this difficult time. At times like these, 'God can give us "power beyond what is normal," so we can keep going from one day to the next. (2 Cor.4:7) May your memories of Robert continue to bring the family comfort during this difficult time.
Shirley Miles Stanfield
December 29, 2016
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Hulseman at Solo Cup in the 1980s. He was a kind man and great employer. My condolences to the family in this time of loss. Prayers for comfort and peace.
December 29, 2016
Please accept our condolences to the Hulseman family. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.
Bill Hanley
December 29, 2016
Dear Hulseman family,
I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of your father, Robert. What a great company and what a generous and thoughtful man was he. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Robert Schuller
December 29, 2016
My condolences and prayers to Paul and family at this time of grief.
Jim DeGrado
December 29, 2016
I pray God's comfort to the Hulseman family, several of whom I knew while employed at Solo Cup Company for 22 years. I see the smile on Bob's face reminiscent of our daily meetings as my office was next to his. I too miss his revered father, L. J. Hulsman who was a friend and mentor. Thank you Hulseman family.
michelle plakas-kaiser
December 29, 2016
RIP
LuAnn Gawlik
December 29, 2016
So sorry to hear about your Father. Always had a smile for me when we met in the shop. My sympathy to all the family.
LuAnn
December 29, 2016
Dear Hulseman family
I was truly saddened to hear of Roberts passing. Always enjoyed his dry wit on many occasions during my 16 years witht Solo.
A true gentleman
Arthur Hanrahan
Chatham Ma
Paula Kampf
December 29, 2016
How very sorry I am to hear of his death; while we'd never met, I knew his daughter Jean and her family to be some of the most wonderful people in the entire world.
Please know that you're all held in my heart and prayers, and that I wish you comfort at this difficult time.
Janel Loema
December 29, 2016
Dear Hulseman Family, my deepest condolences on your Father's passing. I work for Solo Cup (Dart), and have very fond memories of the company he worked so hard to bring to the success it has become.
Drake Taliaferro
December 29, 2016
Please know that the Hulseman family is in my prayers.
Jan Reed
December 29, 2016
Dear Hulseman Family,
I was so sad to hear of the loss of your dad. As you know, I had the pleasure of working with him for many years. He had such a strength of character, even when going through a particularly difficult period of transition at his company. Please accept my sincerest condolences. He will truly be missed.
Marie Basbagill Clark
December 29, 2016
Bill and family,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Charles Veltri
December 29, 2016
I had the privilege of working with Solo Cup Co. and Robert for many years as the Solo broker in Salt Lake City. I served a couple of terms on the Solo Broker Advisory Board and had the honor of being Robert's golf partner at Desert Mountain twice. His sense of humor, his kind nature and his generosity were rare in the food business and he was an example of how a business could be run with compassion and still be successful. He made a very positive impact on me and my business. He was a rare man.
John Crenna
December 29, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. My Father Ray always spoke of Bob and your family with great admiration. He loved working for him and your Grandparents. I have fond memories of helping my father when he went to the plant or one of your houses. Bob was indeed a gentleman who like his father cared about those who worked for him. He will be missed.
John Crenna Chicago Illinois
Gene Flynn
December 29, 2016
I am so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May the consolation of knowing that your mom and dad are together again help you at this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Randy Weiss
December 29, 2016
To the Hulseman Family,
Sincerest condolences on the loss of your father.
I had the pleasure of knowing and working for Bob for 15 years. Bob was a kind and generous man who I will never forget. I served as Telecom Manager in Urbana , Il.
One Christmas, there was a management luncheon and I had the good fortune to be seated next to Bob whereupon he learned that my Mother was gravely ill and needed additional care. He offered to send her, my father and me to the Mayo Clinic to see what could be done for her. All at his expense, no questions asked.
I will never forget Bob Hulseman. Rest in Peace, Bob.
Kate McClain Yeager
December 29, 2016
So sorry for your loss! Thinking of all the family and wishing you peace!
Marlene Pino
December 29, 2016
To The Hulseman Family,
My sincerest condolences to the family. SOLO Cup was a big part of my family for 19 years at the Belen, New Mexico Plant. It was a pleasure working for them.
Tyler Bowker
December 29, 2016
Dear Hulseman Family,
So sorry for your loss!
Tyler Bowker
Marion O'Connor
December 27, 2016
My prayers and sympathy
Sister Marion O'Connor.OP
Regina Dominican High School
Wilmette, Illinois
Mary Beth and Patrick Moorhead
December 27, 2016
Our condolences to the immediate and extended Hulseman family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, especially at this challenging time.
Mary Beth and Patrick Moorhead
December 27, 2016
Dear Peggy & Joe:
Suzy & I were saddened to hear of the passing of Peggy's father, Bob.
We hope that you and your families take some joy in all of your good memories of him and in knowing he is at peace.
The Callahans
Sr. Christa Cunningham, OP
December 26, 2016
Dear Hulseman family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the death of your father. Your mother and father were friends to me.
I always felt honored to receive their gracious hospitality and to have your
Dad share some of his poetry with me.
I am deeply grateful for their generosity to my Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation.
They are together again surrounded by the love, peace and joy of our loving
God. May they rest in peace and may you all know the healing strength our God provides during these times of need.
With love and Prayers,
Sr. Christa Cunningham,OP
Mary Ellen & Kevin O'Neill
December 26, 2016
Dear Paul, Patrice and family,
Our sincere condolences for the loss of your father and grandfather. May your many beautiful memories of your dad bring you comfort in the days ahead.
May the angels lead him into paradise.
Tinka Posell
December 26, 2016
I only met him once but never ever forgot him. Like his daughter, Jean, he was very special. My love to all-
Tinka Posell
December 25, 2016
My sincerest condolences to the family. May the strength and peace that only God can give comfort you during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11
December 25, 2016
Dear Hulseman Family,
The Adrian Dominican Sisters extend our deepest sympathies to you on the death of your beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Bob and your late mother Sheila, whom he now joins in the warm embrace of God, were generous friends of our Congregation and Regina Dominican High School. We give thanks for Bob's life and will hold you in our thoughts and prayers as you grieve his loss.
Pat Siemen, OP; Mary Margaret Pachucki, OP; Frances Nadolny, OP; Patricia Harvat, OP; Elise D. García, OP
General Council
Scott Zeller
December 24, 2016
Dear Hulseman Family,
From 2002 to 2013, I had the distinct pleasure of working with Robert as his personal fitness trainer in his home. Spending so much time with him 3x a week over so many years was always a pleasure. We had wonderful conversations together and he was always incredibly kind, funny and smart. He had a great love for his family, his friends and his relationship with his church and I always had so much respect for him.. A very honorable individual who I was fortunate to meet and spend so much time with over a significant period of his life. I am grateful to have known him and Sheila and always felt welcomed by your family. Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Wilfried Kracht
December 24, 2016
It was an honor to work for RLH for 39 years in the Highland Park Plant. I found him to be an honorable, generous, and fair man. My sincere sympathy to the Hulseman family on your loss.
December 24, 2016
Sorry for your loss .may the god of comfort strengthen you doing this difficult time. Mathew 5:4
Dianne Neiweem Fox
December 23, 2016
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your wonderful father. A good and honorable man. Your mom and dad were an example to us all. May they both be a peace together forever.
Hari Soni
December 23, 2016
Dear Hulseman family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Mr. Hulseman lived an accomplished life and was inspirational to all at Solo. May god give you strength to cope with this loss.
Micki Ponton
December 23, 2016
Dear Hulseman family,
My Husband and I are employees of the former Solo Cup Company in Urbana Il. Bob Hulseman was great man to work for. His presence has truly been missed as a leader to our plant.I feel a great deal of sadness today and pray for your family to get trough this sad time.
Todd Halstead
December 23, 2016
Tom,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I know the sadness you will experience, but take comfort in the wonderful legacy he left behind. My greatest memory is of his wonderful dry sense of humor..and the resulting look of satisfaction on his face! My life is enriched having known him.
The Sisters, Staff and Residents of Misericordia
December 23, 2016
Our sympathies and special prayers for Bob and all the family.
Kelly Enkoff
December 23, 2016
Patty & family,
We send our condolences, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Just knowing your father helped shape who you are today says everything. May you feel him with you everyday.
Kelly & Sandra Enkoff
Nancy Humes Masterson
December 22, 2016
Dear Tom and Family,
I am very saddened to learn of your fathers passing. I never met him, or most of your family, but knowing you from Fairfield University and your friendliness and wit, I could only imagine what a wonderful family you must have! While this is a terrible loss for your family, enjoy your time together and may the memories of your father keep you all smiling and laughing this Christmas!
Vikki Creeden
December 22, 2016
My sincere condolences to the entire Hulseman family. What a beautiful obituary that captures the generosity, kindness and gentleness of a true gentleman. And a real tribute to a large and loving family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Fr. Donald Senior
December 22, 2016
Dear Hulseman family,
My deepest sympathy on the death of Bob. He was a true patriarch and, I am honored to say, a friend. A man of great spiritual depth--he shared a lot of his poetry with me. He and Sheila were exceptionally generous--to Catholic Theological Union and so many other charities. God will welcome him with open arms. May he and Sheila rest in everlasting peace together. Fr. Donald Senior, C.P., President Emeritus CTU
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