Robert "RJ" Ihle

Robert J. “RJ” Ihle, 77, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away suddenly at his home on Monday, September 1, 2025.

RJ was born January 29, 1948, in Murphysboro to Herman C. Ihle and Doris A. (Wohlwend) Ihle.

A lifelong Murphysboro resident, RJ was well known through his businesses, RJ Electronics & Video and, years earlier, RJ Raceway with its popular slot car track. Long before those ventures, he was racing around town (on a work permit before being old enough for a driver’s license) delivering flowers for Ihle Florists and Greenhouses, the family business that he later went on to own and operate. He spent nearly his entire career in downtown Murphysboro until his retirement in 2021. 

RJ’s love for his community shone through in many ways. He served on the Murphysboro Business Association Board of Directors, collaborated with the Jackson County Historical Society, was active in local Facebook groups, and in his youth was an altar boy at St. Andrew Catholic Church. He also lent his creativity to Murphysboro High School musicals, including No, No, Nanette and Mame. One memorable production featured a remote-controlled vacuum cleaner—devised and operated by RJ—that not only chased a maid across the stage but later made an appearance “cleaning” Walnut Street during the Apple Festival Parade.

Though rumors occasionally tied him to the legendary Big Muddy Monster, RJ always took the speculation in stride—considering it a compliment.

RJ leaves behind his three daughters, or “Keeds” as he called them, #1 Keed Natalie (Greg) Holland of Tierra Verde, FL, #2 Keed Brenda Jo (Tommy) Avezzano of Hawthorne, NY, and #3 Keed Jodi (Mike) James of Murphysboro, IL. He also is survived by his six grandchildren, aka “Grand Keeds” or “Mini Keeds”, Brycen (Allison) Holland, Ryland “Younger RJ” Holland, Laney Avezzano, Michelle James, Tori Avezzano, and Mikenzi James. Survivors also include his brother, Tom (Gilda) Ihle of Murphysboro, as well as nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Annette, and her husband, Peter, of Mt. Vernon.

RJ, a public figure who gave back to the place and people he loved, wasn’t just known in town, he was woven into the history and heart of Murphysboro.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Jackson County Historical Society, 1616 Edith Street, Murphysboro, IL 62966. https://jchsil.org/