Benjamin “Ben” J. Robinson, age 75, passed away Monday, Nov. 25, 2013 at Ministry St. Clare’s Hospital after a prolonged struggle with lymphoma.
He was born June 5, 1938 in Elton, WI to the late Woodford and Harriet (Bricco) Robinson. On Jan. 28, 1984, Ben and Paulette (Wetterau) Czech were united in marriage in Merrill. She survives.
Ben graduated from White Lake High School in 1956 then attended UW Stevens Point for two years. He then joined the US Navy, where he served as an electronics technician on PC3 Orion flight crew during the Cold War. Ben served his country proudly for 21 years until he retired in 1978 with the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After his service he worked as Office Manager for Merrill Gravel, then as a salesman for Davies Water Products. Ben enjoyed woodworking and built furniture for his grandchildren. Another favorite past time was listening to Rush Limbaugh daily. He liked to spend his time hunting grouse and deer, gardening, reading, working in the woods or working on his house. Ben especially enjoyed time spent with his family and grandchildren. Ben was very generous of spirit. He extended kindness to everyone he met. He was particularly fond of his family, extended family and grandchildren who were very important to him.
Survivors include his wife, Paulette Robinson, Merrill; son, Joseph Robinson, Seattle, WA; daughter, Dana (Doug) Peterson, St. Cloud, MN, and her children, Bethany, Allie, Benjamin and Tabetha; step-son, Christopher (Lisa) Czech, Athens, and their children, Emily & Derek; step-son, Michael (Lynn) Czech, Edgar and their children, Valerie and Vanessa Czech; eight siblings, Dale (Charlotte) Robinson, Lionel Robinson, Richard (Hisae) Robinson, RoseMary Robinson, Douglas Robinson, Jim (Barb) Robinson, Mike (Beverly) Robinson and Susan (Dale) Vaughn; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 30, at Waid Funeral Home. Burial followed at Merrill Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials for Ben may be donated to the Honor Flight.
Ben’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all the doctors, nursing and care staff at Ministry St. Clare’s including the Marshfield Cancer Clinic staff who were so wonderful to Ben during his illness.
Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.