Robert W. Lempinen

Robert W. Lempinen, who rose from an entry-level position in the beer distribution business to lead a major Chicago-area distribution company, died on Dec. 11, 2025. He was 91.

After a career spanning four decades, Bob retired in 1996 as president of Euclid Beverage in St. Charles, Illinois. In that role, he led Euclid through a period of sustained growth and robust sales, and was honored by the Miller Brewing Co. for his contributions to the company’s success.

He leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Joan, a constant companion in the joy and adventure of life, and by a troupe of children, stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

All of them will remember him as a man of strong passions— he worked hard and had a lot of fun. He was a life-long fan of Chicago’s top sports teams, especially the Cubs, the Bears and the Blackhawks. He loved to be out on the water, and for 52 years made an annual autumn pilgrimage to the Pine Beach Resort on Eagle Lake in Ontario, Canada. He was given to strong political opinions and for many years kept a small garden. He had great affection for family and friends, and was always glad to share a cold beer or a glass of wine with them.

Bob was born on Jan. 24, 1934, in Highland Park, Ill., the son of Earl Lempinen and Helen Peddle Lempinen, and younger brother of Joan Lempinen. The family had roots in Lake County dating to the late 1800s, and he lived most of his life there. He graduated from Highland Park High School, where he played baseball and football and attended Illinois State University.

His career began at Farmer Beverage Co., and advanced to a sales position with the Theodore Hamm Brewing Co. After several other stops, he joined Euclid Beverage in 1982. His first marriage, to Lenore Hillmert of Chicago, ended after 25 years.

Bob and Joan Stover Seeger were married on August 28, 1982. They lived in Lake Forest and traveled widely — to Europe, Hawaii and the Charleston area in South Carolina. They lived for several years in Seabrook Island, S.C.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; by sons Edward and Robert; by step-children Philip Seeger, Melinda (Edward) Trygstad, Jennifer (David) Jaeschke and Roy (Stacy) Seeger; by grandchildren Tyler Harmon-Jenich, George Jenich and Rylee Jenich; Kyle Lempinen, Jake Lempinen, Spencer Lempinen and Sunshine Lempinen; Annikka Lempinen; Jenna Zilka, Garret Seeger, Cody Seeger and Brett Seeger; Derek Jaeschke, Cullen Jaeschke and Alec Jaeschke; Karly Hilton and Nolan Seeger; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, and by his daughter, Ann Lempinen Jenich.

Family and friends will miss Bob and remember him long into future, consoled in the belief that his spirit will forever be at peace in a land of sky-blue waters.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday December 18, 2025 at The Church of the Holy Spirit, 400 E Westminster, Lake Forest, IL 60045. Interment will follow with a committal service and burial at Lake Forest Cemetery, 1525 Lake Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045.

Please feel free to share your memories or messages of condolence in the guestbook below.

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Funeral Arrangements & Services Provided By:

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