Obituary of Ronald Robinson
Ronald D. Robinson, 82, of Milford passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, September 9, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in West Okoboji. Visitation will begin at 10 am until service time at the church. To watch the recording of the service, click the following link: https://youtu.be/FKghUpjJiaI.
Ron was born to Glen and Winifred (Winnie) Robinson on November 26, 1940 in Spirit Lake, Iowa. He attended public school in Milford, Iowa and graduated in 1958. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his military service, he attended Estherville Jr. College and later completed his education degree at Mankato State University.
Ron taught English and coached sports for five years at Butterfield High School in Minnesota. He then completed his teaching career in Springfield, Minnesota where he taught American history and social studies and coached football and track. Later he became the activities director.
In Springfield his nickname was the Rock, and he stressed the importance of being a Class Act while participating in school activities. Ron served as president of the Minnesota Athletic Directors and he was also inducted into the Minnesota Athletic Administrators Hall of Fame in 2007. While in Springfield Ron became a member and former post commander of the American Legion Post 257 and he maintained his membership there.
During the 1982-83 school year the Robinsons hosted Aycin Uysal, an exchange student from Turkey. It developed a special friendship which still continues with Aycin's family members.
After retiring from teaching, Ron and his wife Evelyn (Evy) moved to Milford, Ron's hometown. They joined First Lutheran Church. They also became active members of the Okoboji Summer Theatre Association and served as officers in the organization. Ron looked forward to attending the weekly performances. His favorite activities were swimming in Lake Okoboji, working in his vegetable garden, and making woodworking projects. Ron was an avid reader of books, newspapers, and comics.
Survivors include his wife Evy, son Lincoln, daughter Jennifer (John) Engfer, seven grandchildren: Luke Robinson, Michael Robinson, Thomas Robinson, Kylie Robinson, Kenley Robinson, Brogan Engfer, and Finley Engfer, and two great-grandsons, Spencer Robinson and Jackson Robinson.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Winnie Robinson, his sister Peggy, and infant granddaughter Cassidy Robinson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Okoboji Summer Theatre and the Milford Memorial Library.
