Robert A. Horn, age 90, of Dyer, IN formerly of Riverdale, IL, passed away peacefully on August, 28, 2025, at the William J. Riley Hospice Residence in Munster, IN. Born on June 17, 1935, in Riverdale, IL, Robert was the beloved son of Herman and Mary Horn. After graduating from Mount Carmel High School, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Bob devoted 42 years to his career at Acme Steel in Riverdale - following in his father’s footsteps - where he also met the love of his life, Joyce Wilkens. The couple joyfully celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past May. After retiring from Acme Steel, Bob’s industrious spirit led him to Walt’s Foods in South Holland, IL, where he worked for another 24 years before retiring in 2024. His dedication to service continued into retirement through over 14 years of volunteer work at Franciscan Hospital in Dyer, concluding in January of this year. A die-hard Chicago Bears fan, Bob held season tickets for more than six decades and delighted in sharing his passion with family and friends. At St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Riverdale, he was a familiar, steadfast presence - singing in the choir, serving as lector, and assisting as an altar aide whenever needed. He was the Past Worthy Grand Knight of Pinta Neri Council #1846 and a member of the Lansing Knights of Columbus Council #3540.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Joyce (née Wilkens) Horn; his children, Michael (Kathi), Ellen (Tony), and Julie (John); six grandchildren - Jared (Katie), Morgan, Ashley (Jordan), Maggie, and Anna; and five great-grandchildren: Brayton, Kennedy, Aiden, Parker, and Sawyer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Mary Horn; brothers John, Charlie, and Joe and sister-in-law Sue. Bob’s legacy of devotion, service, and unshakable family spirit will be forever cherished by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in his memory to Hospice of the Calumet Area in Munster, IN - whose compassionate staff provided excellent end-of-life care with dignity. Donations can be made online via their official site or mailed to their Lake County office at 600 Superior Avenue, Munster, IN 46321. For assistance, the hospice can be reached by phone at 219-922-2732.
Visitation Friday, September 5, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Robert’s funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. directly at Christ Our Savior/St. Jude the Apostle Church 880 E. 154th St. South Holland, IL.
Arrangements entrusted to Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane (Rt.30/Pleasant Springs Ln.), Dyer, IN. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com
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