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Robinson, Rev. Raymond E.

Rev. Raymond E. Robinson, Waupaca, WI died Wednesday, September 19, 2013 at his home in Rural, WI.

Raymond Earl Robinson was born November 4, 1931 in Culbertson, Montana to Rev. R.D. Robinson and Florence (Johnson) Robinson. The family moved to Ohio when Ray started school, and then to Wisconsin where he graduated from Mondovi High School. He attended Hamline University in St. Paul, MN and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He received his Master of Theology degree from Garrett Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, IL. As an ordained United Methodist pastor for the next 39 years he served parishes in Argyle, Lodi, Madison (Sherman Ave.), Oak Creek, and Minoqua Church of the Pines before retiring to Waupaca in 1996. He continued to do interim pastorates and visitation following his great love for people and the gospel. Ray was married to Helen Potts in Waupaca on December 18, 1954.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Keith, and a brother-in-law, Allen Potts. Ray is survived by his wife, Helen, and two sons: James (Kathy) of New York, NY, and Peter (Barb Byrnes) of Lodi. He is further survived by sisters-in-law: Grace Potts and Sharon Robinson both of Madison, numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews as well as many beloved friends and colleagues.

Ray had several great loves in his life: his family, the church of Christ with all its warts and foibles, people of every age, shape, size, and color, Boundary Waters and Canoe Area and fishing and canoeing, social justice in all its forms, and lutefisk. His love for the Boundary Waters began early when taking a group of young people for a weekend trip. From then on he took every opportunity to introduce young and old to the beauty and majesty of nature and the importance of it to our life and well being, leading over 180 trips to the area. Since coming to Waupaca he had been an active participant in the Winchester Academy.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 28, 2013 at 12:30 PM at the Parfreyville United Methodist Church, N1979 County Road K, Waupaca, WI, with Pastor Robert Blackburn, officiating. A visitation will be held from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be sent to United Methodist Children’s Services or the Ray Robinson BWCA Scholarship Fund, both at 720 Windsor St., Suite 203, Sun Prairie, WI 53590-0620 (designate which fund), or to Helen E. Robinson. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.

Great appreciation to Theda Care Hospice with very special thanks to Dr. Earl Anderson for his great caring.

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