Wayne (Robbie) Robinson

Wayne (Robbie) Robinson

Wayne Robinson passed peacefully from this earth on Saturday, December 19, following a short illness. He was a father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who made the world a better place by being here.

Wayne was born June 14, 1933 in Neenah to Layne and Clara Robinson. He married the love of his life, Rita Voissem on September 7, 1953. They were married for 67 years.

Wayne was a proud U.S. Army veteran, serving in Korea from 1953 to 1955. Later in life, one of his most memorable experiences was an Old Glory Honor Flight with other veterans to Washington, D.C.

He was employed at Gilbert Paper Company as a millwright in the maintenance department, and worked there for 44 years before retiring in 1995. After retiring, he took a job as a driver for the Straight Shot courier company, where he delighted in driving across the country making deliveries. He stayed with Straight Shot for 18 years, eventually logging more than 1 million miles of driving. This provided his “butter and egg” money, which he and Rita used to escape the Wisconsin winters by snowbirding in Arizona during January and February for many years.

Wayne enjoyed gardening, especially growing Brandywine tomatoes for himself and his son Jeff, and waged a constant war against any rabbits that dared to nibble at his vegetables. He cultivated roses, and enjoyed camping and traveling. He was a master woodworker, and a toy box that he made many years ago is still in the Children’s Department of the Menasha Library. He took great pride in the custom walking canes that he made, and gave many of them to friends. He was also a long-term volunteer Hunter Safety instructor and enjoyed the shooting sports.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 67 years, Rita, and a sister Joyce (Donald) Tschirgi. He is also survived by his children Gary (Debora) Robinson, Greg (Julie) Robinson, Kathy Robinson and Chris (Joan) Robinson. He is further survived by 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, who he delighted in seeing whenever he could. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Gladys Robinson, a sister Shirley (Richard) Birling, and a son Jeff (Sue) Robinson.

Wayne is also survived by many good friends that he made over the years.

A funeral will be held at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond Street, Appleton on Wednesday, December 30. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00, with a short service after. The service will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend, or who may be at risk for Covid. www.facebook.com/Valley-Funeral-Home-938408146238680.  Masks will be required.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Grand Chute Fire Department, St. Elizabeth and Columbia St. Mary hospitals for their excellent care.

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