
Claire R. "Robbie" Robinson
September 30, 1927 - October 14, 2020
Obituary
MONONA – Claire “Robbie” Robinson, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. He was born in Montello, Wis., on Sept. 30, 1927, the fifth of eleven children born to
Samuel Robinson and his wife, Lucy (Cummings) Robinson.
He graduated from Montello High School in 1945, receiving letters in boxing, track, cheerleading and basketball. He was given "The Best All-Around Student" award at graduation. After graduation, at age 17, he joined his six brothers serving in the U.S. Navy.
After the war, he returned home and joined the Masonic Lodge and enrolled in Ripon
College. He transferred to the UW-Madison and graduated in 1952. He met and married Shirley Severson in 1953. He was employed for a short time at Wisconsin State Employment Service and then began his lifelong career at Farmers Mutual/American Family Insurance Co. that spanned 47 years.
He served on the Board of Directors at the East YMCA, was a 70-year member of the Masonic Lodge No. 141, American Legion Post No. 351, member of Monona United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for 30 years. He enjoyed volunteer work at St James Catholic School, loved to garden and travel, cheer on the state sports teams, and was an avid reader.
Claire is survived by his wife, Shirley; and four children, Joan Hagedorn, Lynn (Roger) Hovey, Brad Robinson, and Brock Robinson. He was proud of his five grandchildren, Darcy DuBois (Bryon Cherry), John (Lindsay) DuBois, Melissa (Matthew) Chadwick, Richard (Hannah) Hagedorn, and Matthew (Natalie) Hovey. In addition, he marveled at his 11 great-grandchildren, Brandon, Cassie, Justin, Andrew, William, Amelia, Miles, Tessa, Claire, Callahan and Chloe. He is further survived by his siblings, Janis Neale, Sharon (Dave) Clark, and Ralph (Linda) Robinson, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Bob, Jack, Don, Bill, Bette, Ken, and Ruth; and son-in-law, Richard Hagedorn.
The public may visit family, drive through style, from the comfort and safety of your vehicle at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020. Burial will be held at Oakhill Cemetery next to the family farm near Westfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Claire’s name to Monona United Methodist Church or St. James Sister Kathleen Endowment Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Sun Oct 25, 2020 @ 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos

Memories
MP
Molly Poirier
Other •
Some of my best memories growing up are of celebrating 4th of July with you all! Robbie was a very kind man with a personality that just made you smile! My thoughts and prayers are with you all! - Molly Mahoney Poirier
MB
Martha Brusegar
Other •
I am sending my most sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. This must be such a difficult time. I’m hoping your many happy memories will be a consolation and a blessing to all of you Martha Brusegar Retired teacher from Monona Grove, Nichols and Maywood Schools
TF
Tammi Alexander, Badger Honor Flight
Other •
The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Claire Robinson. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on May 19, 2012.
JH
Juli O'Leary Hillebrand
Other •
To the Robinson family - I am sorry for the loss of your hero, dad & grandpa. I have known your family (classmate of Joan) my entire life. I have been honored to be a Badger Honor Flight volunteer and very proud to have served him on his trip in 2012.
DC
Dennis Carlson
Other •
Dear Shirley. I was so sad to read about Robbie's death in today's paper. Please accept my deep condolences. Robbie was such a wonderful coworker, travelling companion and friend. I'll never forget our road shows to visit agencies for American Family. And I'll never forget his deep love for you. He will be missed. Love, Dennis Carlson
JH
Jenna Hanson
Other •
Robbie was an amazing man. I'm glad I was able to provide cares for him. I will forever remember him, as well as your whole family.