Thomas N. Robinson

Thomas N. Robinson, 91, of South Haven, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2017, in the comforting surrounds of his home.  Tom was born April 29, 1925 to Thomas N. and Gertrude (Boot) Robinson Sr., in Holland, Michigan.  The Robinson's then later all moved to the Benton Harbor, Michigan area, where Tom was raised along with nine siblings.  Tom attended St. John's Catholic School, and upon graduation, served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  After his service with the Navy, Tom attended and graduated from the University of Detroit Law School, and joined his father in practicing law in the Benton Harbor area.  Tom later opened the law practice of Robinson, Ford & Swanson Law, in St. Joseph, Michigan, where he practiced until his retirement in 1983.  

Tom met his future wife, Audrey Ann Kroll, through family acquaintances, and the two were married on May 7, 1955.  Together they raised 6 children, and shared 53 years of marriage, before Audrey's death in 2008.  Upon retirement, Tom and Audrey moved to their home in South Haven - "The Cottage".  During that time, they joined St. Basil Catholic Church, where they participated as extraordinary ministers, lectors, and volunteers for many years.  Tom and Audrey's retirement pursuits included tending to "Grandpa's Garden", traveling, and most importantly, visiting with their Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren, whenever they could.  They also enjoyed the company of many friends and acquaintances from the South Haven area.

Tom is preceded in death by his Parents, his Wife Audrey, two Sons - William K. Robinson, and Gerald E. Robinson; Grandson - Jonathon Robinson; Siblings - William Robinson, Margaret Howard, Ruth Ford, Mary McGee, Nan Schwedler, and Sally Tucker; and Son-in-Law - David Weichhand.

Tom is survived by his Children - Elizabeth (William) Steere of South Haven, Richard (Tess) Robinson of St. Joseph, Thomas (Cindy) Robinson of DeWitt, Michigan, David (Sharon) Robinson of Portage, Michigan, Daughter-in-law Deidre Robinson of Commerce Township, Michigan; Siblings - Gertrude Preble of Fremont, Michigan, John (Betty) Robinson of St. Joseph, and Dorothy Ludlam of Illinois; 13 Grandchildren - Sarah, Becky, Laura, Josh, Alyssa, Jessica, Michael, Katie, Nicholas, Maggie, Matthew, Zachary and Stephanie; and seven Great Grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, April 28, 2017 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home, South Haven.  Mass will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the St. Basil Catholic Church with Rev. Father Robert Flickinger officiating. Tom will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Benton Harbor.  In lieu of flowers, friends may make a memorial contribution to St. Basil Restore the Glory.