Robert E. Hummer

It is with sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert E. Hummer, who peacefully left us on Sunday, May 18 th, 2025. Robert touched many lives with his generosity. He was always willing to help his community, church, and family with his impressive ability to fix or build anything.

Robert was raised in Downers Grove, Illinois along with his 6 siblings. He was very proud of his father Otto Hummer's legacy, especially his role in founding the Downers Grove Park District. Robert had many fond memories during his teens of helping with the park district maintenance in its early years.

Robert graduated from Downers Grove North in 1947. During the Korean Conflict in the early 1950's, he joined the 33 rd Division of the Illinois National Guard. He served for 7 years achieving the rank of Sergeant. Robert settled in Western Springs where he lived for 60 years. He worked for many years at Western Electric, then Snap On Tools, and in his "retirement years" for himself as a local handyman. He was involved in many impressive projects over his lifetime. But the ones that brought him the most pride were a bridge in Marquette Park in Indiana, a creche and music stand for his church, and a to-scale replica of the Eiffel Tower.

A lifelong choir boy, Robert spent many years in the choir at his church, St. John of the Cross. He also was part of the Resurrection Choir, which sang at the funerals of fellow church members.

Robert had 6 daughters, raised 9 children, many stepchildren, and countless grandchildren, including great/great-great grandchildren. He will be remembered as a generous man who always was there to help when his children needed him. Whether it was sharing his vast knowledge, attending important events, repairing or building, he could always be counted on.

Visitation 10am to 11am, followed by Funeral Mass on Saturday, May 24, 2025 at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs, IL 60558. Mass will be available to view via livestream at: https://www.facebook.com/sjcwesternsprings/. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708-352-6500.