Robert J. Robinson
PORTAGE -- Robert J. Robinson, age 88, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, died peacefully surrounded by family in his home in Portage on December 3, 2013.
Bob was born on April 23, 1925 to William and Mathilda (Miller) Robinson in Oconomowoc, WI. He graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1943 and entered the Army’s Air Force for two years. After his service he attended UW-Madison, graduating in 1950. Bob remained an avid Badger fan and was a member of the Wisconsin Alumni Association.
Following his graduation, he sold and installed material handling equipment for O.E.Rosche. In1955 he was hired by Burroughs Corporation (later Unisys) as a sales representative until his retirement in 1981. After his retirement, he embarked on a new journey, opening his own business, Robinson Systems, selling tax and utility forms.
While working with O.E. Rosche, Bob installed equipment for C.J. Berst, where he met and fell in love with Elizabeth Bauer of Portage. Bob was united in marriage to Libbie on September 5, 1953. The couple initially made their home in Madison, then Baraboo, finally settling in Portage in 1960.
Bob was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He and Libbie were firm believers in giving back to their community, volunteering for the American Red Cross and Meals on Wheels.
Bob will be remembered for his zest for life, wonderful sense of humor, caring nature and his love for pie. He connected with people easily, and although he may not remember your name, after one meeting you were his friend. He had the ability to bring out the best in others and was an inspiration for many.
Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Libbie; daughter Laura (Stephen) Robinson O’Rourke, of Fargo, ND, their children Kristin (Joe) Miller, Anna, and Nicholas, and great-granddaughter Hailey Miller; daughter Margot Robinson of Lodi and her children Cody (Brazil), Jennifer, and Ryan; son Matt (Mary Campbell) Robinson of Madison and their sons Micah and Austin; daughter Karen (Brian) Robinson-Landers of Wisconsin Dells and their daughter Emma.
Bob was preceded in death by his son Rob in 1973; sister Marie; brothers Kenneth and William.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage on Friday, December 13 at 11:00, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. Visitation will be held at the church at 9:30, with Words of Remembrance from the family at 10:30. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Mary Catholic Church Tuition Assistance or the Portage Family Skate Park.
Funeral services are provided by Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage..
The family would like to thank Home Health United and their caring staff, friends, neighbors, and loved ones who comforted and loved Bob during his brief illness.
