His father owned a general store in downtown Waukesha called Pfeiffer & Robinson until the Great Depression. Robert worked as a local farmhand to supplement the family income while he was attending Waukesha High School. He loved playing football. He was called "truck" by his fellow teammates because of his solid muscular build. In 1942 his team enjoyed a perfect high school record of 8-0. Those were great and wonderful times for Bob.
Robert served in the Navy for 4 years (1943-1946) during WW II as a Boson's mate in the US Navy Armed Guard. After being honorably discharged, he worked at his brother's dairy plant in Kentucky. In 1948 he began working for the Bell Telephone Company. Robert was introduced to the love of his life, Adris Weber by his buddy Clyde Christianson and his wife, Marge, at Oconto, WI. After a brief courtship and due to the war, Robert married his love, Adris, on October 14, 1950 at St. Willebrord's Church in Green Bay, WI. Shortly thereafter, he returned to duty in the Navy during the Korean War for 2 years. He was assigned to a sea going tug in the China Sea. Bob was a brave and courageous man who served his country and was accordingly decorated.
Bob and Adris lived in Waukesha. Together, they had five children. Robert Robinson (Linda) Oshkosh, WI, Barbara Robinson (Jerry Stroter) Westminster, MD, Thomas Robinson Beloit KS, Patricia Bell (Rick) Waukesha and Ellen "Elly" Robinson (David Mandell) Madison, WI. Bob Robinson, devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather will be greatly missed. His wonderful grandchildren include: Jodi Bauer (Chris), Carrie Robinson, Andrew Stroter, Jasmine Stroter, Tim Robinson, Alex Bell and Emily Bell.
Bob was preceded in death and welcomed into heaven by his parents, Roy and Bertha Robinson, Warren Robinson, Roy Robinson, Garner Robinson, Evelyn Fischer and Dorothy Conway as well as numerous friends and other family members. Bob is survived by one sister, Frances, of Milwaukee, WI.
Bob worked as a telephone lineman, repairman and cable splicer for the Wisconsin telephone Company from 1948-1979. He volunteered many years as a Boy Scout Leader for Troop 59 at St. Joseph's Church. He was a dedicated father and great handyman who could fix anything by "improvising". He was a great lover of the outdoors and together as a family enjoyed camping all over the United States, hiking, swimming, fishing and canoeing. Bob and Adris taught their children the true beauty of appreciating nature and all of its magnificence. Bob was active in the American Legion Bell Telephone Post 427 for 47 years and the US Navy Armed Guard (WI/IL Unit). His hobbies included making wonderful woodworking projects and crafts.
Bob and Adris spent most of their retired years at their "Up North" cottage located in Mountain, WI. He was completely at ease doing building projects around the cottage, as well as fishing for the big ones, swimming, gardening and his favorite job of just putzing. They enjoyed the company of many wonderful friends up at their summer home. In years back, before health issues affected Bob, they enjoyed traveling to many places like Hawaii, California and Florida in addition to visiting their children and grandchildren in Kansas and Maryland. Bob and Adris also participated in the Senior Aquacizer Swim Classes held at Carroll College. Bob was known for his funny antics and great sense of humor with his swim colleagues. Bob was also active in the Armed Guard Reunion Activities held by the WI/ IL chapter.
Bob's Family would like to thank Roland Nelson Crossroad Hospice for their help and services to allow the family to care for Bob at home. He was lovingly cared for by all of the family members who came together this past week to help him ease from this world to the next.
A Funeral Mass for Bob will be on Saturday, February 22, 2003 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 822 N. East Ave., Waukesha. Visitation will be on Friday, February 21, 2003 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home on Moreland Blvd and at the church on Saturday, February 22, 2003 from 10:00 am until the Mass. A parish vigil will be at 6:00 pm on Friday at the Funeral Home. The American Legion Bell Post 427 will have a military service at 7:30 pm also on Friday at the Funeral Home. Memorials appreciated to the Bell Post 427 would be appreciated.