Harry C. Robbins, 74, of Janesville, died Oct. 1, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer at Rock Haven Nursing Home surrounded by his family.
He was born in Le Mars, Iowa, Feb. 27, 1941, the son of Chester R. and Mildred (Schultz) Robbins. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1959, where he was a member of the National Honor Society and school representative at Badger Boys State. He graduated from UW-Whitewater, and attended UW-Madison. Harry served in the National Guard and was awarded the Citizen Soldier of the Year from the Milwaukee Sentinel. He married Madeline Mochel in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Fort Atkinson on May 15, 1965. Harry was Manager of Quality for Management Systems at Degussa Chemical. He was a council member and past president of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and past president of the Optimist Club. He was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, tutored at risk children, and taught bible classes at Huntington. He enjoyed his 5:30 a.m. coffee buddies at McDonald’s on Pontiac Drive. Harry’s biggest love was spending time with his grandchildren and taking them fishing in “Grandpa’s fishing truck.”
Harry is survived by his “best buddy” and wife, Madeline “Cookie” Robbins; three children: Alyse (Gary) Schoeberle, of Janesville, Mary Lynn Robbins-Burke, of Janesville, and Christian (Jill) Robbins, of Greenville; seven grandchildren, Amanda and Sydney Schoeberle, Riley, Justin and Ally Burke, and Andrew and Ryan Robbins; Rotary exchange daughter from Australia, Bronwyn McDowell; three siblings, Ivan (Joyce) Robbins, Hazel (Milt) Duntley and Lois (Roderick) McBreirty; nine step-siblings; and many other extended family; and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Charles Strooisma; and in-laws, Floyd and Rose Mochel.
A visitation will take place Tuesday, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory and again on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m., Wednesday, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 700 N. Wright Rd., Janesville with the Rev. Steven Ekblad officiating.
Interment will be in Milton Lawns Memorial Park. Lasting Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or Emergency Children’s Help Organization.
For online condolences and registry visit www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com.
