MADISON - It is with heartfelt grief to announce Jeffrey Lee “Jeff” Robinson, age 52, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 26, 2025, in a place that he loved, The Porcupine Mountains State Park along Lake Superior. He was born on October 25, 1972, in Flint, Mich., the son of William Robinson and Barbara (Pannell) Robinson.

As a child, Jeff had many fond memories of Boy Scouts, where his dad was the troop leader for the many years that he was a part of the organization. This is where his love of the outdoors and camping first bloomed. Jeff and his sister, Kim, spent lots of their childhood together; skating on the pond, sledding, and four-wheeling at their family home in the woods. He would always say he had to “pick up sticks” before going on to do anything. He would spend many summers out in the hay fields bailing hay with his dad and sister and split wood in the fall. They had many family trips all over the United States: Wyoming, Tennessee, Montana, and Colorado. Some of the fondest were at the Great Smoky Mountains and Yellowstone.

Jeff attended LakeVille High School in Otisville, Mich., graduating in 1990. He enjoyed his time in marching band, playing the tuba. He then went on to Michigan Technological University in Houghton, for his college education. During his time there, he was an active member of the Triangle Fraternity and club hockey team. He started his teaching career as a TA in the science department. He received a bachelor’s degree in biological science in 1995, as well as a general education degree in 1998. His second degree took him to Marshfield, Wis., for his first official teaching job. Jeff taught biological sciences at Columbus High School and was the assistant coach for the baseball team from 1998-2000. He also coached the varsity hockey program at Marshfield High School.

During his time teaching at Columbus High School, he caught the attention of his curly blonde-haired co-worker, Sandra. Jeff would ask Sandra out just as friends, but they quickly made it official. Jeff and Sandra moved to the east side of Madison in August of 2000, to pursue other endeavors and to be closer to Sandra’s family. Jeff proposed in 2004 at Porta Bella, and they were married at Monona Terrace in Madison, Wis., on July 1, 2006.

Jeff worked as a global training manager for Covance/LabCorp for 24 years. This position gave him the opportunity to travel the world. Jeff traveled to Switzerland, Ireland, Romania, Germany, Singapore, China, United Kingdom, Australia, Netherlands, and throughout the United States. He always had an interesting story to tell. He enjoyed meeting the numerous individuals that he crossed paths with and had the pleasure of training. Jeff loved visiting The National Parks: Yosemite, Yellowstone, Sequoia, Mount Rainier, Mount Hood, Rocky Mountains, and most recently the Grand Canyon in June.

Jeff spent much of his free time camping in beautiful places, stoking extra-large campfires throughout the night. He could be found hiking through the woods, and biking on trails in Michigan as well as in Wisconsin. Jeff enjoyed playing and watching all sports but excelled at hockey. He also loved baseball, soccer, football, curling, and biking. Jeff held certifications for USA Hockey coaching, and USA Curling instruction. Jeff grew his own hops and brewed his own beer at home. He would bring tasting glasses for all to sip his product during family gatherings. Jeff found joy in tending to his vegetable gardens every summer and showing off his green thumb’s bounty. He spent a lot of time on the Wisconsin River with his family, being the permanent 6’2” fun water toy for his nieces and nephew. He was known as “Funcle” or “Sea Monster” and will be missed terribly. Jeff was always willing to help out his family and friends, big or small. He would travel back to his family home in Michigan to help his Dad with various projects, and he also helped Sandy’s dad and family on the Wisconsin River year-round.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Sandra (Ganshert) of 19 years; his beloved cat, Roxy; his parents, William and Barb of Hope, Mich.; sister, Kim (Jeff) Vanderwall of Linden, Mich.; and his niece, Avery and nephew, Mason Vanderwall. He is also survived by his aunt, Beverly Shaw; cousin, Kelly (Dan) O'Connor, whom he called his “little sister” of Beaver Creek, Ohio; and Kelly’s children, Emily, Danielle and Matthew O’Connor. He is further survived by his Madison family: in-laws, William and Jane Ganshert; brother-in-law, Paul (Kathleen) Ganshert; sisters-in-law, Trisha Ganshert and Allison Tredinnick; nieces, Madeline Ganshert, Neelah Ganshert and Kareena Pruthee-Ganshert; and nephew, Weston Tredinnick. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Bernice Pannell, John Robinson Jr. and Betty Lou (Stetson) Robinson; grandparents-in-law, Dr. Joseph and Louise Ganshert, Harold and Lauretta (Rosenthal) Heimann; and cats, Nana and Coco.

Jeff’s celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Jeff’s name may be made to any State Park, National Park or humane society.

“All those who Wander are not Lost”

We love and will miss you, Jeff.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Jeffrey Lee Robinson

October 25, 1972 - September 26, 2025

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