Paul Robbins

MADISON/COTTAGE GROVE - Gerald Paul Robbins, age 86, of Madison, and formerly of Cottage Grove and Edmonds, Wash., passed peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, at Agrace HospiceCare in Madison. He was born on Sept. 28, 1935, in Darrington, Wash., to Gerald W. Robbins and Frances M. Robbins. Paul married Mary C. Knutson on June 20, 1981, at Burke Lutheran Church in Madison. Paul served as a flight engineer in the Naval Reserves for 12 years. He flew all over the world. He was a proud police officer for the City of Edmonds, Wash., manager of Octopus Car Washes, Branch Manager for Loomis Armored Car until his retirement in 2000, he then continued to work for 15 years as a driver for Garda Armored Car. Paul loved being on the water and he and Mary had boats for most of their marriage. When they weren’t boating, they were camping with family and friends. He enjoyed deer hunting and all forms of auto racing. Paul and Mary are avid Badger fans having season football tickets for 40 years. They attended the ‘94 Rose Bowl and many other bowl games over the years. They loved their “Badger Invasion” road trips every year for 25 years. He and Mary bowled for many years. Paul also enjoyed playing pool on Bullseye pool leagues. Paul never looked his age and always took great pleasure in fooling carnival age guessers; he won many a teddy bear for his children. He was a jack of all trades and could fix anything. He would rarely agree to calling a repairman, only as a last resort. He loved to take things apart, figure out what was wrong and put them back together good as new. He loved to learn new things and was an enthusiastic student. More than anything Paul loved his family. His youngest grandchildren Harper, Cayden and Deacon delighted him, and he was always ready for a visit. He was so grateful that he was able to spend time with all of his children over the last few weeks. Paul and Mary lived a love story for over 40 years, she provided loving care for him over the last few months of his life as they tried to prepare for his death. He will be forever loved. Paul is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Jerry (Julie) Robbins, of Orting, Wash., and their children, William and Brett; daughter, Laura Hunter (Steve Morrow), of Everett, Wash., and her children, Ryan and Matthew Erickson; daughter, Renee (Leonard) Whitfield, of Preston, Wash.; son Brent (Shannon) Davis, of Arlington, Wash., and their children, Cody Parsons and Bailey Davis; son, Andrew (Kendra) Robbins, of Monroe, Wis.; daughter, Kristen (Drew) Ward, of Indian Trail, NC, and their children, Harper, Cayden, and Deacon; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Marie (Butch) Schmit, of Shell Lake, Wis.; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, George. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, at BURKE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5720 Portage Rd., Madison, with Pastor Rob Neupert officiating. Visitation will be at the CHURCH on Friday from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service.There will be a Celebration of Paul’s Life on Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Club LaMark, 1525 N. Stoughton Rd., Madison. Paul hated funerals but he loved a good party. Please come and share your stories. Paul’s family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Turner of SSM Health and Agrace HospiceCare for their loving care. All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be made at www.866allfaiths.com