Douglas Cecil Robbins

Robbins, Douglas Cecil

Douglas Cecil Robbins of Waterford found eternal rest on Friday, April 19, 2024,  at the age of 94. Beloved husband of the late Kathryn Colleen Robbins (nee Collins). Loving dad of Dugan (Lu) Robbins,  and the late John Robbins.  Proud grandpa of Nicole (Stan) Northrop, Erin (Tom) Hoffman, Michael Robbins, Michelle Robbins, Aubrey (JJ) Jacobs, and Megan Robbins (Lance Powers).  Great-grandpa of Keegan, Max, Owen, Evelyn, Sullivan, Eloise, Fiona, Penelope, Landon, Easton, and Mikko. Douglas was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Esther (nee Graff) Robbins, wife Kathryn, son John Patrick Robbins, and sister Phyllis (Delbert) Jacobson. He is also survived by daughter-in-law Diane (James) Hoppe, nieces, nephews, other relatives and  friends. Special thanks to Connie and Gary Tilleroes and the Paetsch family for their true and unwavering friendship.  

Doug was born May 31, 1929, in Richland Center, WI and married his wife Kathryn, on August 31, 1950, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Richland Center, WI. Doug taught for a short time in Lake Geneva, before settling in Waterford, where he enjoyed a longtime career as a teacher and principal at Waterford Graded School 1954-1992. 

Doug always said he was born and grew up in “God’s Country”.  Despite the sudden and devastating loss of his mother at just two years old, he fondly remembered his extended family, and was grateful for having “the best relatives”.

Doug was a very involved grandfather. Visits with Grandpa included wheelbarrow races, behind the wheel driving practice, board games, cards, ping pong, and pool.  He introduced his grandchildren to both water skiing and snow skiing, and often took them on outings for strawberry picking and swimming. Doug was eager to help prepare his grandchildren for tests and other challenges, by sharing his tips and tricks for memorization, or even racing against them to prepare for the fitness test. (He always won).  Visits with Grandpa always ended with handfuls of candy. Grandpa carried  on Grandma Kate’s tradition of gifting Whitman’s chocolates every Christmas, and he never forgot a birthday.

All of the grandkids fondly remember the rainy day weekend trips to the Graded School, where the gym was opened for their enjoyment.  Rope swings, scooters, pogo sticks, and battle ball games were held, followed by roller skating through the hallways, making announcements over the PA system, and climbing on the roof. A stale cookie from the prior week’s hot lunch topped off the adventure.  

Doug remained active and fit, well into his golden years.  Even in his eighties, Doug would drop down on his hands and knees to transform himself into “Red Devil” the wild bronco, bucking and neighing, as the young rider held on for dear life. 

You could take the teacher out of the classroom, but never the teacher out of Doug.  He was not just an educator, but a mentor to many, both family and friends.  

Doug was an avid reader throughout his life, and a wealth of knowledge on varied subjects. He taught others about plants, animals, science and nature. We will miss the stories of all the “characters” he had known throughout his life. He always made those around him feel on top of the world, especially his grandchildren and their friends. He made newcomers feel welcome and comfortable and he was never short on compliments.  He took an earnest interest in others.

It is seldom that one person impacts the lives of so many.  Doug’s legacy  will live on in our hearts.