Gerald Henry Robbins

Gerald “Gerry” Robbins passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Lakeside Medical Center in Pine City at the age of 85. Gerry was born on February 24, 1931 to Arthur Edward and Anna Marie (Noden) Robbins in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Gerry graduated from Mound High School and Brown Institute of Broadcasting and Electronics in Minneapolis.He served his country in the United States Army from 1951-1953 stationed in Korea.  Gerry had been an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Pine City. He met his wife Jane Carlson in Thief River Falls and they were married November 3, 1956 in Plummer, Minnesota. Gerry began his Lions career in 1960 in Winona, Minnesota. A year later he moved to Glendive, Montana District 37A where he served as Club President and Zone Chairman for 7 years. He returned to Minnesota in November of 1967 transferring his membership and getting right to work bringing new ideas to a struggling club. In 1971-72 he was elected and served as Lions District Governor 5M2. Gerry was nominated in 1974 to the office of Lions International Director and was elected and served 1975-77.  During this time he was honored with 10 International President’s Awards and the Melvin Jones Medallion, the Lions highest honor. He was also awarded the “Ambassador of Good Will Award”. In 1983 Gerry was asked to serve as an appointee to the International Board of Directors, he was very proud to serve with Lions International President, Lion Judge Brian Stevenson of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. From 1971 to the present, Gerry organized 69 new Lion’s club extensions, which is the second highest in the world. Gerry served for 18 years on the Board of Trustee’s for Leader Dog for the Blind, Rochester, Michigan. Both he and his wife Jane are Ruby Stone Donors to the Lions Club International Foundation. Gerry often was asked if he did this for a living. Gerry was employed as an announcer for: KRBA in Lufkin, Texas, KTRF in Thief River Falls, and sales representative for KTOE in Mankato and sales manager for KAGE in Winona. He was general manager for KXGN television and radio in Glendive, Montana. In 1967 Gerry became the owner of WCMP AM and built WCMP FM in the late 80’s in Pine City. Gerry worked tirelessly through the years building WCMP AM/FM until selling both AM/FM in 1992. He was a member of the Minnesota Speaker’s Association, the International Platform Association and served as President of the Minnesota Broadcaster’s Association. He was also the owner of the “Profit Builder” speaking and conducting seminars throughout many states and Canada. Over the years Gerry was named in “Who’s Who in Minnesota” and was named Pine City’s Citizen of the Year in 1979. Gerry’s hobbies included flying his Piper Arrow aircraft, fishing, hunting and relaxing at their cabin on Lake Vermilion. Gerry is survived by his loving wife Jane of Pine City, many, nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends, business acquaintances and his four legged companions the “M&M’s” Missy and Muffie.  He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Anna Robbins, sisters June Kozan and Mary Ann Bruhn. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be directed to:  Leader Dogs for the Blind, Zion Lutheran Church of Pine City, or a charity of your choosing.Reverend Glen Kleppe will officiate the service for Gerry; 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church in Pine City. A time of visitation and reviewal is planned for Friday, March 18th from 4-8:00 PM at Zion Lutheran Church and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment with Military and Lion Honors will take place at Birchwood Cemetery, Pine City. Arrangements for Gerald “Gerry” Robbins are entrusted to the Funeral and Cremation Service ~ Swanson Chapel, Pine City, Minnesota. www.funeralandcremationservice.com