In loving memory of

Richard L. Robinson
February 27, 1942 - November 9, 2017

Richard “Dick” Lee Robinson was born February 27, 1942, at Algona, Iowa, the son of Elzie “Bud” and Ruth Robinson. He passed away Thursday, November 9, 2017, at his home in Dow City, Iowa, at the age of seventy-five.
Dick received his education in the schools near his home and was a 1960 graduate of Garrigan Catholic School in Algona, Iowa. On February 23, 1963, he was united in marriage to Barbara Marlow at St. Cecilia’s Church in Algona, Iowa. Dick was employed by Robinson Construction and Reeds Furniture Store. In 1970, he began working in the maintenance department at Iowa Beef Processors and was employed there until his retirement in his late 50's due to ill health.
Attending his children’s ball games and sporting events which included track, basketball, football and baseball provided him great pleasure. He also enjoyed umpiring Little League baseball and was an avid Vikings fan. His leisure time was spent fishing, boating, doing woodworking, reading and watching western films. He loved being outside where he could be found mowing lawns, tilling, gardening and doing other yard work. Dick particularly enjoyed getting together with friends and socializing – he could talk to anyone. His family was everything to him, especially his wife, Barb, and his grandchildren.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Susan. Survivors include: his wife, Barb; one son, Ronald; two daughters: Julie and her husband, Doug; and Theresa and her husband, Tom; six grandchildren, Nicholas, Nathan, Bryan, Alyssa, Anna and Andrew; three brothers: Bill and his wife, Phyllis; John and his wife, Carla; and James and partner Scott; three sisters: Janice; Jean and her husband, Dick; and Joanne; other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Ronda wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"So sorry to hear about your loss your all in my thoughts and prayers. Ronda Malone"

Charles & Doris Erlbacher & Family wrote on Jan 13, 2021:

"Lit a candle in memory of Richard L. Robinson"

Renee Gillette wrote on Dec 12, 2017:

"I was shocked and saddened to find this obituary. On Sunday night, 12/10, I had a dream about Theresa, my college BFF. We were back at BCC - and Dick, her dad, was in the dream. It's not unusual for me to dream about my college days, since they were some of the most formative (and sometimes regrettable:) years of my life. But last night, again, I woke up thinking about Dick and Barb and the Robinson family, and my visits to their home in Dow City when I was a student at BCC. This morning, I got up and prayed for them, as I sometimes do, because I can only imagine the struggles they've been through in recent years. But I couldn't get them off my mind, so I googled Dicks' name, and this obituary came up. When I think of Dick and Barb and the Robinson family, I think of the four years I was in college and Theresa would take me home to Dow City in her white Ford Escort. It was such a respite, and everyone was so kind and easy going, and seemed to just let everyone be themselves - that was enough. There was no judgment, only lazy, fun-filled weekends watching movies and playing cards. I remember Tuffy, the dog with his underbite. I remember Barb's kindness, common sense, and humor. I remember Dick's generosity, ability to express emotions (not all that common in many of the men I know), his hearty laugh, but most of all, I remember his smiling eyes. His love and pride for his children, and really, anyone who was in his children's lives, is apparent to me today, as a mother. He welcomed me into his home like I was one of his. I remember playing card games (7up?) and I remember watching Dirty Dancing with Theresa and kissing Patrick Swayze, right on the television screen. Also, I remember our visits to Sue's home in Sioux City. She would make us chili, with peanut butter sandwiches. When I have chili today, I eat it with a peanut butter sandwich. (Theresa also introduced me to putting potato chips on sandwiches, and I still do that....geez - I picked up some bad habits back then!) I remember listening to the "Big Chill" on a drive home from Dow City in the rain one night and pulling over to view a complete rainbow. I cherish, deeply, the memories I have of your family. You were a close knit bunch. I haven't seen you in 25+ years, but I think of you often. Barb, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know, without a doubt, that Dick is in heaven and his smiling eyes are looking down on you and your family. What a great man. I feel lucky to have known him, even for a short while. Renee (Grandgenett) Gillette"

MaryAnne Lahr wrote on Nov 17, 2017:

"Julie & Doug, just observed this on Facebook & that was the first we knew about your father's passing. Please accept our late condolences, Uncle Emmett & Mary Anne"

Theresa Rubalcaba wrote on Nov 13, 2017:

"Dear Dick, Thanks for teaching me how to make French toast and always treating me like family. I pray that you are now at peace! God bless you and all of your beautiful family. Theresa (Ahart) Rubalcaba and Frank"

Kathie Garman wrote on Nov 12, 2017:

"To Barb and the Robinson Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. Dick was always ready with a smile and a hug. And the stories he would tell of his exploits with Dwight in Algona! He will be missed but always remembered. Love to you all, Kathie and Dwight Garman."

Mary Lou Crawford wrote on Nov 11, 2017:

"My heartfelt sympathy to all the family and thank you to my cousin, Sylvia, for the information. Dick always had a fabulous smile and I remember he teased me a lot! So many years have passed but he will always be remembered. Mary Lou (Grandgenett) Crawford"

carol wrote on Nov 11, 2017:

"So sorry to hear of Dicks passing. My sympathies."

Charles (Chuck) D. Wingert wrote on Nov 11, 2017:

"We extend our sympathy, thoughts and prayers to Dick's family, relatives & friends. His absence (here on earth) will affect many lives, and he will be missed. I will always remember my cousin's smile, and his good nature, going way back to those days when we were kids playing baseball, kick-the-can, shooting BB guns and exploring. May Dick's Soul rest in peace with the Lord. - - Chuck & Marilyn Wingert"

beth namanny wrote on Nov 11, 2017:

"My thoughts and prayers to the entire Robinson family with the news of Dick's passing. I have so many great memories of our two families gathering and celebrating life together. May God comfort you & give you strength in this difficult time and may Dick rest peacefully in our Lord's arms. ~Beth (Sextro) Namanny"