Keith Robinson

Keith Boyd Robinson, the son of Earl and Ethel (Mayberry) Robinson, was born August 6, 1929, in Atlantic, Iowa, and passed away April 28, 2017.

Keith attended and graduated from Atlantic High School in 1946. He worked on the family farm until enlisting in the United States Army where he served in the Korean Conflict. After serving our country, he returned to Atlantic and began farming. He married Geraldine Elaine Moore June 5, 1955, and they were wonderful parents to five children: Terri, Toni, Tom, Ted and Trish

Keith farmed and raised livestock all of his working life. He was a wonderful steward of the land and was chosen Outstanding Young Farmer of Cass County. He also officiated high school football and basketball and was the timer for those sports for Atlantic High School. He received an Outstanding Service Award from the IHSADA and a Distinguished Service Award from the Iowa Football Coaches Association for timing and volunteering for the athletic programs for over 30 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, past-President and 40 year member of the Rotary Club, past-President and member of the Atlantic Community School Board as well as a member of the Elks Club and Jaycees. He was honored by the University of Iowa as Hawkeye Dad of the Year in 1977.

He was just a great guy! He was a devoted and loving husband and life-partner for Gerry. They so enjoyed their life together, farming, raising their children, enjoying their grand-children and great-grandchildren, laughing, traveling and spending their winters in Arizona. He loved driving to Arizona and enjoying time with all of the family and friends there. He was very supportive of his children. No matter how busy things were on the farm, the tractors always stopped so he could attend any activity or event his children were involved in. He was proud of their accomplishments and helped them learn from their challenges. Through his own example he taught his family to work hard, be accountable, appreciative, punctual, independent, and to embrace every opportunity to do something fun and spontaneous. He really was a work-hard, play-hard kind of guy. He also had an awesome sense of humor and he shared that humor even in the toughest of times. He was often heard saying, "it's not always a laughing matter, but it doesn't matter if we laugh." He had a youthful spirit and enjoyed having his own Easter basket, Christmas stocking and he preferred to have his birthday celebrated an entire week.

He was a loyal, life-long Chicago Cubs fan, making numerous trips to Wrigley Field with his family and friends. He loved his Iowa Hawkeyes and traveled with Gerry to many home and away football games. He was quite the "card shark" and loved playing cards (especially if he won) with his many friends. Even as his health failed, he continued to play cards as long as he could and we are very grateful to his card buddies for keeping that joy in his life.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ethel Robinson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harry and Maude Moore; his brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Marjorie Robinson; and brother-in-law, Robert Moore.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gerry; daughter, Terri (Alan) Gangestad of Omaha, NE and their children, Kate Gangestad, Brent (Erin) Gangestad, Jenna (Paul) Ketchen, and Andrew (Stephanie) Gangestad; daughter, Toni (Dan) Mason of Chandler, AZ and their children, Courtney (Thomas) Starr and Drew Mason; son, Tom (Lori) Robinson of Atlantic, IA and their children, Jill Robinson (Danny Law), Joe (Heather) Robinson, Jay (Mallory) Robinson and Jesse (Laura) Robinson; son, Ted (Mary Jo) Robinson of Atlantic, IA and their children, Nathan (Lenzi) Robinson, Samantha, James and Abby Robinson; daughter, Trish (Jeff) Nelson of Audubon, IA and their children, Bailey and Kasey Jo Nelson; as well as 10 great-grandchildren: Griffin, Adaline, Evelyn, Charlotte, Kamden, Olivia, Hallie, Quincy, Lane and Quade; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Keith will always be remembered for his love and devotion to his wife and family, his wisdom, generosity and quick-wit. He will Forever Be In Our Hearts.

The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage House and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful care given to our family at this time.

Visitation with family will be held from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. with the memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic, Iowa.

Family will also greet friends at a lunch in the church fellowship hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please designate memorials to the Atlantic Rotary Club or to the family to be designated later.