Joseph Robbins

Joseph Donald Robbins, age 81, a longtime Park Rapids area resident peacefully passed from this life to eternal life Sunday, September 6, 2015 at the Golden Living Center in Walker, MN. Joe was born on March 26, 1934 in Park Rapids, MN to Noah and Debbie (Reeves) Robbins. He entered the U.S. Army as a young man at the age seventeen. He spent over twenty years faithfully serving his country during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Much of his naval service was spent aboard the U.S.S. Pluck working for the communications department until his retirement from the Navy in August 1973. Joe made his home in Alameda, CA for a number of years where he worked at a gas station. In the early 1980's, Joe returned to his boyhood home in Park Rapids where he lived for the rest of his life. Joe bought property just west of Park Rapids where he lived for several years until he purchased a home in Park Rapids where he has made his home until the current time. Joe was a very active member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 in Park Rapids, where he served as its commander for two years, was a member of the honor guard and cooked many dinners. Joe loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing when he was younger. He will be remembered as a true patriot who loved his country and his family above all else. Joe will be lovingly remembered by his three children: Michael, Patrick and Kathryn of the west coast; he is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including his special nephew and friend, Daryl Robbins of Park Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters: Emma, Opal and Elsie; and four brothers: Ray, Leonard, Albert and Paul. Funeral service will be held 11 AM Friday, September 11, 2015 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Reverend Art Wood and Mr. Ray Smith will be officiating. Special music includes "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain", "Go Rest High on That Mountain" and "When I Get Where I'm Going". Casket bearers will be Randy Tyge, Glen Harvala, Vern Massie, Bob Safratowich, Stanley Hagen and Bob White. Military honors will be provided by the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 and Ray Vaadeland will be playing "Taps". Interment will be made at Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids. A luncheon will be hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary following the service. To leave online condolences or view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com