Ralph "Papa" W. Robinson

Ralph W. "PaPa" Robinson, 78, died Thursday, January 26, 2012 at Homme Home in Wittenberg surrounded by his family. He was born May 19, 1933 in Elton to the late Walter and Elizabeth (Bailey) Robinson. He attended Elton Grade School and White Lake High School. He served in the US Army, and was stationed in Germany. On November 22, 1952 he married Virginia Messer at Church of God in the Town of Evergreen. They lived for a time in Waupun, where he served as a Pastor, his rank of ministry was Exhorter of the Church of God. He also worked as a welder. Mr. Robinson was a pastor, welder, mechanic, and wood crafter. Canes and walking sticks were his specialty, and he also made wooden toys for children in the family. He enjoyed spending time with his wife four-wheeling in the Crocker Hills, hunting, and fishing. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson provided foster care for 56 children. He enjoyed visiting with people, and his family and ministry were especially important to him. Survivors include his wife, Virginia Robinson of Antigo; 4 daughters, Kathy Messer of Antigo, June Hoddel of Antigo, Arlette (Harry) Puls of Lily, and Ellen (Harlan) Lewis of Antigo; 2 sons, Jim of Elton, and Jeff (Jeanne) of Antigo; 4 sisters, Mary Messer of Antigo, Glenna Robinson of White Lake, Gail (Dean) Lewis of Elton, and Karen (Eddie) Sellers of White Lake; a brother, Dwayne Robinson of White Lake; 20 grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth; 3 grandchildren, Dennis Richter, Rachel Hoddel, and Kaylee Dewey; 3 brothers, Alfred "Larry", William, and Orville; and 6 sisters, Ardith Gilliam, Geneva Powell, Carol Guthrie, Barbara Valentine, Raeburn DeHart, and Florence Robinson. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday at Faith Center Church of God, with Pastor Danny Pyeatt officiating. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home and 9:30-11 a.m. Monday at church. Interment will take place in Elton Cemetery. Local veterans will perform military rites at the cemetery. Military honor guard will be provided by Mr. Robinson's grandsons, SSgt. William Robinson US Air Force, SPC Robert Robinson US Army, and PVT Michael Robinson US Army from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.