AURORA—Msgr. Robert J. Willhite, 93, died April 7, 2026, in Aurora.
He was born May 30, 1932, in Freeport to Albert and Lillie (Rodebaugh) Willhite.
He was a veteran of the United States Army. He attended Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa (1955-1959) where he received a bachelor’s degree. He attended seminary at Catholic University, Washington, D.C. (1959-1963) and received a master’s degree in English.
Msgr. Willhite was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1963, by Bishop Loras Lane at St. James Parish in Rockford.
His first assignment was as parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish, Elgin (1963-1965). He then was assigned parochial vicar of the new cathedral (Holy Family), Rockford (1965-1968). He was then parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish, Sterling (1968-1970).
Msgr. Willhite then went on to serve as associate pastor for a mission parish in Montero, Peru, South America (1970-1975). He returned to the Rockford Diocese to serve as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Aurora (1975-1981).
He went back to South America to serve a mission parish in Ayabaca, Peru (1981-1984). Upon his return to the diocese he then was assigned as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Elgin (1984-1986).
Msgr. Willhite was appointed Coordinator for the Spanish Apostolate in McHenry County (1986-1987). He then was assigned as pastor of St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Aurora (1987-2008).
In 2004, he was appointed Vicar Forane (Dean) for the Aurora Deanery (2004-2008). In March 2005 he was named Chaplain of His Holiness by Pope St. John Paul II, carrying with it the title of Monsignor.
He retired from active ministry on July 1, 2008.
Msgr. Willhite is predeceased by his parents Albert and Lillie (Rodebaugh) Willhite.
Visitation was April 13 and April 14 prior to the funeral Mass at St. Rita of Cascia Parish, Aurora. The Mass of Christian Burial took place April 14 at St. Rita of Cascia Parish, Aurora. Burial was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Aurora immediately after Mass.
Arrangements were completed by Dieterle Memorial Home in Montgomery, IL.
