Obituaries

Ronald Theodore Robinette, age 85, of Pickford, Michigan, died on August 13, 2025, at Villa at the Bay. He was born on January 12, 1940, in Shakopee, Minnesota, to Theodore and Irene (Kopp) Robinette.

Ronald grew up in Shakopee and graduated from Shakopee High School with the Class of 1957. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in several places including Texas, The Philippines, Vermont, Vietnam, Washington D.C., New York, and finally Omaha, Nebraska. He proudly served for twenty-five years, beginning as an engine mechanic before retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. Ron loved to have served for his country and every morning, he would take a shot of Crown Royal as a salute to the buddies he lost along the way. Following his military service, he returned home and began working for the Indian Housing Bureau for a while before moving to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan where he continued working for Tri-State Housing Committee. Later, he managed Taco Bell for a couple years. It was there he met Danielle Dennis, and the two were married on November 24, 1992. Ronald began working for the United States Post Office, where he became a head clerk, retiring in 2016 due to illness. He and Danielle bought a home in Pickford, Michigan, where they spent the last twenty years breeding Bichon puppies.

Ronald was a proud member of the VFW and the American Legion Post #3 and was also active in the Toastmasters Club. He also coached his daughter’s softball team.

Ronald loved being outdoors—feeding deer, turkeys, and any stray animal that wandered his way. He was always tinkering with something, and was known for keeping “the cleanest woods in the E.U.P.” He was a loyal Minnesota Vikings fan. He enjoyed country living and treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren. His beloved puppy, Stella, was truly his best friend.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Danielle Robinette; children, Tammy (Ted) Fredrickson of Minnesota, Terry (Curtis Camper) Robinette of Texas, Clinton Robinette of Gaylord, Michigan, Cody Skalmowski of Lansing, Michigan; Chelsea (Ryan Campbell) Boyd of Grand Rapids, Michigan; grandchildren, Jeremy (Bridget) Jones, Rachel (Michael) Bryant, Ashley (Eddie) Jones, Ciara Camper, Shane Camper, Ariah Robinette, Knox Robinette, Colin Boyd; great-grandchildren, Kash, Jerzie, Hazel, Izabel, Sage, Azora; siblings, Marcia Dellwo of Shakopee, Diane (Matt) Sirek of Webster, Minnesota, Lori Fitzharris of Redwood Falls, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Annie (Michalla) Fader of Gaylord; mother-in-law, Patricia Molitor; brothers-in-law, Gregg (Sherri) Moliter and Mike (Karen) Whitney both of Sault Ste. Marie; sister-in-law, Kelli (Mike) Bailey of Farwell, Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Irene; sisters, Bonnie (Jim) Menden and Audrey Robinette; father-in-law, Jim Molitor; and brother-in-law, Paul Dellwo.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24549 S. M-129 Pickford, MI 49774, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The Funeral Service will follow immediately at 1:00 PM.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Minnesota at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Ronald honor may be made to Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306, the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675, or the Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301.

Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.