Kenneth Eugene Robbins

   Kenneth Eugene “Ken” Robbins, age 75, a long time Park Rapids, MN area resident, peacefully entered the splendor of heaven early Sunday morning, January 1, 2017 at his home west of Park Rapids surrounded by his loved ones.  Ken was born on May 7, 1941 in Sacramento, CA to Roy and Helen Robbins.  As a small boy his parent’s returned to Park Rapids where he attended country school near his parent’s farm close to Island Lake north of town.  As a young man, Ken quickly learned the value of honest hard work helping his dad with the rigorous farm work and harvesting timber in the area forests.  He was well known for his physical strength which he attributed to all the logs he carried on his shoulders out of the area bogs and swamps when he was younger.  As he grew older Ken gained employment working nights at Ray Larson’s gas station and doing mechanic work for Frank Donnay.  On September 12, 1959, Ken’s life was made complete through his marriage to Elizabeth Caroline Annis.  Their union was blessed with four sons: Keith, Roy, Jerry and Loyd.  In 1968 Ken, Betty and the three eldest boys ventured west to Spokane, WA where Ken gained employment at the Spokane Steel Foundry in a career that spanned many years.  It was in Spokane that his youngest son, Loyd was born.  In 1984, Ken returned with his family to Park Rapids where with the help of family he built the home where he and Betty have lived ever since.  Ken loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons.  He enjoyed teaching his sons life’s lessons and many of the practical skills needed in life.  Ken was very close to his grandchildren and enjoyed encouraging and praising them.  He loved to make them laugh at his teasing and stories. His life was deeply saddened by the tragic death of his son, Jerry and great grandson, Isaiah.  Above all, Ken devoted his life to his precious wife who he fell in love with in his youth and grew to love more deeply each of the 57 years of their marriage.      He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty; his three sons: Keith (Jackie) Robbins, Roy Robbins and Loyd (Jeri) Robbins all of Park Rapids; his seven grandchildren: Tera (Brian) Garlie, Ryan Robbins, Michael Robbins, Matthew (Ashley) Robbins, Brighton Robbins, Kodi Robbins and Avery Bullinger all of Park Rapids; 8 great grandchildren: his brother, Daryl Robbins of Park Rapids; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.   Ken was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Jerry, great grandson, Isaiah; two brothers: Donnie and Gary and six sisters: Beverly, Barb, Janice, Darlene, Sharon and Wanda.                 Funeral services will be held 11 AM Thursday, January 5, 2017 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with Pastor Justin Domogalla officiating.  The music will be provided by Rene Domogalla and Shelly Russell.  The casket bearers will be Ken’s grandchildren.  Interment will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery of Park Rapids.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service.  Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the Eastside Christian Church at the Hubbard Community Center.  To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com