Duane Gene Robinson

Duane G. Robinson, age 81, of Bancroft, passed away Saturday afternoon, September 24, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center in Weston with his wife, daughters, granddaughters, and others who loved him dearly by his side. Duane waited until everyone in the room had alone time with him before he left us.

He was born September 17, 1941, in Coddington, Wisconsin, the son of Lynn and June (Cooper) Robinson.

He married Janet Bowes in September 1959, and they had a daughter, Stacey. They later divorced.

He married Sandra J. Berlin on November 25, 1972. They shared two daughters, KaSandra and Hallie, and a stepson, Troy Schoultz. They later divorced after 40 years of marriage.

He married Janet (Young) Watkins on May 12, 2016, in Ohio. Duane and Janet enjoyed some traveling time together before health concerns kept him closer to home.

Duane grew up in the Bancroft area, moved to Wisconsin Rapids, and finally Port Edwards, where he spent most his life before returning to Bancroft, the home where he was raised. He often talked to everyone and anyone about his high school days, reminiscing about football and all his friends from high school. He always looked forward to his class reunions and get togethers. He would tell his daughters that high school is “the best time of your life.”

He worked at Nekoosa Edwards Paper Company for over four decades in Port Edwards; first as a welder and then a machinist. He loved his job, took pride in what he did, and talked about his work long after retirement. Duane loved social time at the local gas station with his coffee friends. He enjoyed watching pro football, tinkering with guns, motorcycle riding, archery, collecting and repairing cameras and photography. He also enjoyed coaching and attending his daughters’ athletic events.

Duane always put himself last. He loved his family fiercely and unconditionally. He worked hard, with little time for himself. He gave the best hugs and would wink with a twinkle in his eye. He would make his daughters and grandchildren giggle every time he chattered his teeth. He made it through trying to teach his daughters algebra and geometry which came extremely easy to him yet could not understand why they “didn’t get it.”  He even took a week of his vacation to come and help care for his granddaughter when she was born, up in the middle of the night changing diapers, feeding, all of it. He didn’t swear, not often anyway. He rarely argued and avoided conflict at all costs. He was an amazing role model for his daughters.

He was an active member and Elder of Bancroft Baptist Church and looked forward to Sunday service until he was unable to go due to his health. He held a deep faith in Christianity and was steadfast in living a life that honored his beliefs.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Robinson; his children, Stacey (Jim) Schultz, KaSandra (Curt) Evans and Hallie (Beau) Hansen, his stepsons, Troy Schoultz, Doug Marcoux and Daniel Marcoux; his grandchildren, Jesse Schultz, Brianna Wendt, Kendra Wendt, Kyla Evans, and Hattie Hansen; great grandchildren, Kali, Jakob, Barret, Alice and Everleigh; his siblings, Jean (Syd) Clark and Karen (Garry) Larson and his sister-in-law, Sylvia Robinson. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Jacob Schultz, and his brother, Lynn Charles Robinson.

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