Robert Franklin Mulch, Sr.

Robert Franklin Mulch, Sr., 96, of Raymond, passed away Monday, November 3, 2025, at Tremont Ridge Assisted Living. Robert was born in Basco, IL, on February 6, 1929, a son to Frank & Frieda (Dauer) Mulch. He graduated from Hamilton High School and the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy. He married the former Martha Jo Nisi on April 21, 1951, in Sutter, IL. She preceded him in death in 2012.

Robert was a lifetime farmer who established Mulch Farms, Inc. Earlier in his career, he also was the ag teacher at Farmersville and Pawnee high schools.  Robert was a founding member of the Illinois Association of Drainage Districts, a registered lobbyist representing the IADD, and a past member and president of the Panhandle School District #2 Board of Education. He was a member of A Community of Faith in Raymond and a Presbyterian elder.

Robert is survived by:

4 sons: Dr. Robert (Dr. Barbara) Mulch of Timnath, CO, Thomas (Debbie) Mulch of Irving, IL, Dr. Fred (Dr. Nancy Kime) Mulch of Long Grove, IA, & Mark Mulch of Anna, TX

1 sister, June (Carl Gene) Pfeiferling of Carthage, IL

8 grandchildren: Matthew Mulch, Luke (Jennifer) Mulch, David (Vanessa) Mulch, Daniel (Dr. Rachael) Mulch, Jay Mulch, Andrew Mulch, Brittany Mulch & Lindsay (James) Pratte

11 great-grandchildren: Haleigh, Daisy, Lydia, Caleb, Mason, Charlotte, Maymie, Anna, Emerson, Riley, & Selah. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and their families.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother Donald Mulch.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, November 10, 2025, at A Community of Faith in Raymond. Rev. Lorna Blackford will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will take place at Harvel Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Panhandle Food Pantry or to the Hillsboro Health Foundation.