Robert Robinson

Robert Frank Robinson, age 88 of Montello, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2009 at Joanie’s Home in Montello. He was born on August 10, 1920 in Montello to Samuel and Lucy (Cummings) Robinson. Bob attended Montello Schools, graduating high school in 1938. He joined the United States Navy in 1940, was aboard the USS Maryland during the bombing of Pearl Harbor and served six years through 1946, retiring with the rating of Chief Petty Officer. During this time he married Wilma Housel in Bremerton, Washington on January 16, 1942.

In 1947, the family moved to Montello where he became co-owner of the Montello Food Mart with George Stoberl, Sr.

In 1952, Bob sold his share of the store to George Stoberl, Jr. and the family moved to Olympia, Washington where he worked with Wilma’s parents and brother in their drive-in restaurant, Housel’s Triple X.

In 1954, upon the death of his father Sam, the family moved back to Montello and Bob acquired the Robinson Insurance Agency. Bob’s father established the agency in the 1930’s and he also served as Clerk of Courts for Marquette County for thirty-three years.

Bob’s mother, Lucy, became Clerk of Courts in 1954 and Bob served as her deputy until her death in 1956. Bob was then appointed as Clerk of Courts, serving twenty-eight years, retiring in 1984. Bob’s father, mother and he served a total of sixty-three years as Clerk of Courts for Marquette County.

During those years, Bob also managed and worked on the Robinson Family Farm near Westfield on Russell Flats. The farm was established in 1855 by his Great-Grandfather William Robinson, passed down to his Grandparents John and Margaret (Maggie) Robinson, and to his father Samuel. Bob took much pleasure and pride in watching the crops grow, often saying “I wish Dad, Grandpa and Grama could see all this.” Bob spent many of his “growing up” vacations on the farm with his grandparents.

He loved being in the great outdoors, hunting deer, ducks, pheasants and snowmobiling with his family and friends.

After Bob retired, he enjoyed refinishing furniture with his friend, Herb Sheller, and working on the Hamilton Farms apple orchards near Westfield, picking and selling apples.

Bob was a faithful lifetime member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Montello, serving on various committees and was always a willing helper. Other memberships included Montello Masonic Lodge, Montello American Legion Post #351 (having been commander and the post bugler), Pearl Harbor Survivor’s Association, USS Maryland Veteran’s Association, Scottish Rite; Madison and Zor Shrine; Madison where he was a member of the concert band for twenty-eight years, playing cornet.

Bob was very proud of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed watching them participate in 4H and school activities including football, basketball, grade school and high school band and chorus.
Bob lived a full and rewarding life.

Bob is survived by his wife Wilma of 67 years, sons, Mark (Shelley), Montello; Sam (Diane),Waunakee; daughters, Sheryl Robinson, Montello; Teresa (Tom) Lyon, Westfield; 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, brothers, Bill, Montello; Claire (Shirley), Monona; Ken (Maureen) and Ralph (Linda), Sun Prairie; sisters, Janice (Ralph) Neale, Merrill and Sharon (Dave) Clark, Lodi; brother in law, Bob Williams, Pardeeville; one aunt, Edna Ritchie, Montello. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Bette Lou Stick and Ruth Williams; brothers, Don and Jack; dear friends, Herb and Lil Sheller and Don Hamilton.

A memorial service for Bob will be held on Friday, May 1, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, Montello with Rev. Sue Bryce officiating. Full military honors will follow the service at the church. A private inurnment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, Township of Westfield at a later date. A visitation will be held on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of service at the church. Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home and Cremation service, Westfield is serving the family. For online obituaries, condolences and memorial information go to www.steinhaushollyfuneralhome.com