Robbie Robertson

ROBBIE ROBERTSON

Washington

Robbie Robertson, 92, of Washington, Iowa, died Saturday, May 16, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinincs in Iowa City following an illness. Celebration of life services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 22, at Elm Grove Cemetery with Chaplain Andrew Zuehlke officiating. General calling hours will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at Jones & Eden Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington, Iowa. Memorials have been established for the Washington County Enrichment Foundation.Online condolences may be sent for Robbie's family through the web at www.jonesfh.com.

Robert Lee "Robbie" Robertson was born June 29, 1927, in Washington, Iowa, the son of Bill and Grace Robertson. He grew up on the family farm in rural Crawfordsville and attended Wyman schools. After graduation, Robbie joined the navy and served in the Pacific during World War II.

At the end of the war, Robbie returned home and attended Washington Junior College before going to the University of Iowa, where he became a life-long Hawkeye fan and season ticket holder.

After graduating from Iowa, he married Jean Freshwaters on Nov. 10, 1950, and worked for Firestone in Burlington for a short time before moving to Washington to work with his father-in-law. With the unexpected death of Howard Freshwaters, Rob took over the management and ownership of Freshwaters Feed and Grain. After "retiring," he spent many years happily working part-time for Liqui-Grow.

Rob was a member of the Washington Jaycees and the Washington Y's Men and served on the park board. He was a longtime member of the Washington Country Club and for many years enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River with friends and family.

Like many Iowans, Robbie had three loves; the land, his Family and the Hawkeyes. He was a stoic man who liked to listen and watch more than speak. But, start a conversation on any of these topics with a cup of coffee and the room would be filled with stories. Being able to impact and influence multiple generations in his business relationships, Robbie was a patient listener and could find the positive approach to even the most difficult of problems. Robbie continued his love of agriculture well past the time a younger generation might expire as he continued to manage his family farm, Robertson Farms, until his death. Through his work, he had a chance to share with others his knowledge and experience with the land. Family and friends sadly say goodbye to another irreplaceable member of the Greatest Generation.

Rob is survived by his four children: daughter, Katy Green and husband Russ of Lexington, Ky.; son, Kim and wife Colleen of Peoria, Ill.; daughter, Nancy Detweiler and husband Mike of Keota, Iowa; and daughter, Sara Hauer of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Nathan Green and wife Karen, Noah Green and wife Ling, and Libby Green Messer and husband Will; Fletcher and Cooper Robertson; Nick Detweiler, Dylan Detweiler and wife Katie; and Tyler and Savannah Hauer; seven great-grandchildren; and his sister, Janet Miller and husband Stan of St. Louis, Mo.

Rob was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; his son, Patrick; his sister, Shirley Wilson; and his parents.