Jerry Robinson
June 5, 1944 ~ April 11, 2023
Age 78 of Casa Grande, AZ. Formerly of Forest Lake, MN.
Jerry married Sandy Johnson at Faith Lutheran Church, Forest Lake, MN on August 27, 1966. He served in the Army National Guard for 6 years. They had three sons: Chris (Julie) of Baxter MN, Kevin (Nancy) of Sault Ste. Marie MI and Scott (Shari) of New Ulm MN.
Jerry was a proud dad and grandfather to five grandchildren: Greg, Brad, Katie, Gus and Sophie. Jerry enjoyed visiting them and watching sports, primarily swimming, soccer and hockey. Jerry had three siblings: Barbara (Dave) Bohrer, Dan (Mary) Robinson, Duluth MN, and Wendy (Scott) Griffin, Crossville TN. Jerry was preceded in death by granddaughter Katie, parents Vern and Dorothy Robinson and sister Barbara.
Jerry grew up in Mahtomedi MN and enjoyed swimming, water skiing, sailing, snow skiing and played football and hockey. Later he drove big rigs and traveled both locally and over the road just as his grandfather had done years before. His “hobbies” included EMT/Ambulance Driver, Firefighting/Fire Truck Operator, and coming home to hop on the lawn tractor. Jerry taught Confirmation for sixteen years and “beamed” when his students greeted him years later to introduce their children. Retirement included snow bird travels in the RV. The Pioneers and Northland Travelers provided friendships that made RVing so much fun. He was at home behind the wheel and looking at maps to find new destinations. After six winters, Casa Grande AZ became the destination. Wildflower Community proved to have just the right house and welcoming neighbors. He called it home for the past ten years.
A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held at 11 AM Saturday, June 10, 2023 with visitation beginning one hour prior at Faith Lutheran Church, 886 N. Shore Dr., Forest Lake, MN. Inurnment will be after service in Faith’s Prayer Garden Columbarium. Lunch will follow. Memorials preferred to Faith Lutheran Church. The service will be live streamed.
Jerry thought of himself as a King’s Kid (God’s Child).
I am so sad to learn of Jerry’s passing. We were childhood friends, and while life has taken us to very different places and thus out of contact, the years in Mahtomedi will be with me forever. There is an old family story that I taught Jerry how to climb out his playpen, and so his mother had no safe place to leave him.
Dear Sandy and family. Although it’s been years since we last had an opportunity to visit, time hasn’t erased the fondness I’ve always felt for Jerry and for you, Sandy. Jerry always had a friendly smile only matched by his sincere desire to hear about how things were going for others. My sincere sympathy for the loss of this wonderfully kind and generous man.
I am sorry to hear this news about my friend Jerry. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with him doing ambulance/ rescue calls for many years. His dedication to the forest lake community will be remembered by many who knew him. I was proud to have shared our experience and skills together. Sincerely Don Baber.
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Jerry’s military service to our country in the Army National Guard. I remember Jerry when Scott was in Cub Scouts with us.
To Chris, Julie, Gus, Sophie and the Robinson family,We send heartfelt condolences on Jerry’s passing.
Robinson FamilyWere so sorry for your loss. Our family will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers