Earl E. Robinson, 70, of Tomah was born into eternal life Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, due to complications after a successful heart surgery. The surgeon said he found “Earl had a big heart,” not a surprise for anyone who knew Earl.
He was born in Hillsboro on May 17, 1941, to Lloyd and Dorothy (Winchel) Robinson.
On Nov. 11, 1961, he married Marie Gerber in Ontario, and they had three daughters. He lived in southwest Wisconsin his entire life. Earl worked at Badger Army Ammunition Plant in Baraboo, Wis., for seven years, but for most of his life, he was a professional truck driver. His career began as an egg-truck driver for Tillman’s Produce in Wilton. Next, he was owner/operator of a milk-can hauling business. He graduated from Sun Prairie (Wis.) Diesel Driving School in 1976, after which he did over-the-road semi-truck driving for Larry’s Express and USF Holland in Tomah. He retired in 2003 and enjoyed gardening at his home in Tomah and spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Marie (Gerber) Robinson; three daughters, Susan (Ken Nitz) of Warrens, Lisa (Robert Plewa) of Janesville and Ellen of Waukesha, Wis.; three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Abby and Matthew Plewa of Janesville; two brothers, George (Eleanor) and Larry (Pat); three sisters, Charleen (Robert) Sloniker, Jeanette Fischer and Annette (Rev. John) Grover; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and a brother, Dean.
Earl loved doing things for other people, especially for his daughters and grandchildren, including just this summer giving driving lessons to his grandson Matthew. Although he has left this earth, he continues living through the family and friends he held so dear.
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Burr Wesleyan Church, Highway 33, rural Hillsboro. Pastor Tripp and Pastor Leston will officiate. Burial will follow in the Burr Ridge Cemetery, rural Hillsboro.
Family and friends are invited for visitation at the Torkelson Funeral Home, Tomah, from 4–7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, and at the church one hour prior to services Wednesday. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
