Robert T. HANRAHAN

Robert T.

Hanrahan

SPRINGFIELD - Robert T. Hanrahan of Springfield died on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at 12 a.m. Mr. Hanrahan was born in Springfield on August 19, 1921, to Harry T. and Nell Carney Hanrahan. He was a 1939 graduate of Cathedral High School and a 1941 graduate of Springfield Junior College. When WWII broke out, Mr. Hanrahan enlisted in the U.S. Army's aviation cadet program. He went on to earn his navigator's wings and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Army Air Forces. Lt. Hanrahan flew 21 missions with the 390th Bomb group, 8th Air Force, including the USAAF's first shuttle bombing mission to the USSR and Italy. His crew was shot down over Merseburg, Germany, and he spent the last 10 months of the war as a POW in Stalag Luft I, enduring the privations of near starvation and one of the harshest winters that Europe had seen in 50 years. He was awarded the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters in addition to numerous campaign medals.

Returning from the war, Bob married the love of his life, Lorraine M. Kloppenburg, on July 14, 1945. They raised seven children and spent 57 rewarding years together until her death in 2002. He worked as an auditor and accountant for various Springfield firms before ending his career with the Illinois Department of Public Aid. A charter member of Church of the Little Flower, he also held membership in the American Legion, American Ex-Prisoners of War organization, and the Little Flower Men's Club.

Sustained in life by his devout faith, his patriotism, and the love of his family and friends, Mr. Hanrahan is survived by his seven children, Thomas R. (wife Kathy) of Harrisburg, Janne Hanrahan of Las Vegas, Nevada, Maureen (husband Mike) Suhadolnik of Springfield, Nancy Hanrahan of Salt Lake City, Utah, Donald J. of Mechanicsburg, Larry (wife Catherine) of Austin, Texas, and William E. (wife Anne) of Austin, Texas; 13 grandchildren; two sisters, Joan Hanrahan and Sr. Mary Elene, O.P. (Eleanor), both of Springfield; one brother, James J. Hanrahan (wife Carole) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation: 4 – 6 p.m. Sunday, March 25, 2012, at Staab Funeral Home. Prayer service will be held at 4 p.m.

Funeral Mass: 9 a.m. Monday, March 26, 2012, at Church of the Little Flower with Monsignor John Ossola officiating.

Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Church of the Little Flower.

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