Obituary for Jeannette Elizabeth Robida

Jeannette E. Robida, 97, of Dorchester, passed away, March 16, 2020.

Jeannette was born August 5, 1922, to Esther and Henry Gebert in the town of Deer Creek in Taylor County. She graduated from Dorchester High School in 1939.

Jeannette married John Robida on September 1, 1941, at St. Louis Church, Dorchester. Together they welcomed five children into the world: Karen, Ronald, Gwendolyn, Reginald (deceased soon after birth), and Trude. Her family and her faith were both equally important to Jeannette, as well as her quick wit and her unbelievable ability to recount memories of days gone by. She cherished her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her great-great-grandchildren. She was always there with a lending hand, listening ear or a sweet treat. Listening to country music, traveling, playing cards and snowbirding in both Texas and Florida were among her favorite hobbies.

She and her husband lovingly welcomed five foreign exchange students into their home over the years.

Her career saw her farming, cooking at St. Louis Catholic School, selling Stanley Home Products, pelting mink and even stocking shelves in a grocery store when she was 70+ years old.

Jeannette is survived by her children: Karen (Terry Lamoreux) Apfelbeck, Colby, Ronald (Carol Duvall) Robida, Dorchester, Gwendolyn Harris, Scandinavia, Trude (Tomi) Garguilo, Orlando, FL, and 16 grandchildren, Jackie (Wayne)Thorson, Jill (Randy) Younker, Jay (Brenda) Apfelbeck, Jody Apfelbeck, Lainie (Jeff) Kellnhofer, Craig (Teri) Robida, Cuyler (Jenny) Robida, Chad (Kim) Robida, Cara( Chris) Boyd, Heather Harris, Heidi (Kurt) Fischer, Erin Harris, Dani Harris (Luke Phillips), Jon (Kealy) Harris, Matthew Flores and Ian Flores, 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Jeannette is further survived by her sister, Greta Ross, Neillsville, sister-in-law Agnes Robida, Stetsonville and brother-in-law Peter Wanke, Medford.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, in-laws Anton and Mary Robida, her son Reginald, her husband John, sons-in-law Andrew Apfelbeck and Rusty Harris, daughter-in-law Judy Robida, and great-granddaughter Maeve Robida, as well as her sisters, Lucille Sebold and LuAnne Wanke and brothers, Ray and Clarence Gebert, and many additional brothers- and sisters-in-law.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Abbotsford with Rev. Timothy Oudenhoven officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the church from 9 AM until the time of service. Committal services will be held in Dorchester Memorial Cemetery.

We are mindful of the on-going challenges coronavirus is presenting and are advising family and friends that FACE MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED for the visitation and funeral. Social distancing procedures will also be in place. We do not want to risk the health and safety of family and friends. If you are not feeling well, please stay home and get well.

Mrs. Robida’s arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Please visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.