Obituary for Gary Andrew Robben
Gary Robben died March 16, 2023, surrounded by loved ones in Louisville, Kentucky. Forever fun, funny, kind, and generous, he found friends and conversation wherever he went.
He was born to Robert and Gertrude (Niehoff) Robben on May 17, 1945 in Breese, Illinois and spent much of his young life living in Carlyle, IL. A Mater Dei graduate, he tended to his family’s bowling alley and drove cars across Clinton County. He is survived by his wife Shirley Robben (Erlinger) and their three daughters, Tanya Tollefson (Damian), Nicole Robben (Ben Gramling), and Alysia Robben (Maria Mier). He was beloved by each of his 6 grandchildren, Keelan, Ayden, Thira, Ellis, Rya, and Iris, and he adored each of his siblings, Robert “Bud” Robben (Penny), Pat Hager (John), Jean Van Dorn (Gene), and Lisa Robben. Gary was admired by members of the extended Robben and Erlinger families.
Upon graduation from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, MO, Gary found his passion serving as an agent with the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. His hard work and commitment led to important assignments in St. Louis, MO, Chicago and Springfield, IL, Washington, DC, and Louisville, KY, and service at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, GA. Following retirement, Gary found more time to travel and hone his woodworking skills, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 25th from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40205. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 4:00pm at the same location. Family and friends are encouraged to join in a celebration of Gary’s life following the service. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made to Maryhurst, an organization meeting the needs of Kentucky children, at www.maryhurst.org.
He was born to Robert and Gertrude (Niehoff) Robben on May 17, 1945 in Breese, Illinois and spent much of his young life living in Carlyle, IL. A Mater Dei graduate, he tended to his family’s bowling alley and drove cars across Clinton County. He is survived by his wife Shirley Robben (Erlinger) and their three daughters, Tanya Tollefson (Damian), Nicole Robben (Ben Gramling), and Alysia Robben (Maria Mier). He was beloved by each of his 6 grandchildren, Keelan, Ayden, Thira, Ellis, Rya, and Iris, and he adored each of his siblings, Robert “Bud” Robben (Penny), Pat Hager (John), Jean Van Dorn (Gene), and Lisa Robben. Gary was admired by members of the extended Robben and Erlinger families.
Upon graduation from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, MO, Gary found his passion serving as an agent with the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. His hard work and commitment led to important assignments in St. Louis, MO, Chicago and Springfield, IL, Washington, DC, and Louisville, KY, and service at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, GA. Following retirement, Gary found more time to travel and hone his woodworking skills, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 25th from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY 40205. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 4:00pm at the same location. Family and friends are encouraged to join in a celebration of Gary’s life following the service. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that memorial donations be made to Maryhurst, an organization meeting the needs of Kentucky children, at www.maryhurst.org.