Dwight Lavern (Butch) Robbins was born on July 29, 1946, in Menomonie, WI, to Anna L. (Krizan) Robbins and Vernon S. Robbins of Knapp, WI. As a young child, Butch's love for ice cream often got him into trouble; at just four or five years old, he would take his wagon and attempt to cross Hwy. 12 by himself to buy an ice cream bar, imitating his older sister.

He fondly recalled memories of chopping wood, helping his mother gather eggs for sale, and moving the staked-out cow around the yard in rural Baldwin, WI. By the age of 11, Butch spent his summers living and working on neighboring farms, igniting his passion for farming. In his teens and twenties, he worked as a farmhand in rural Osceola and on the Ausen farm in Star Prairie. Eventually, he acquired his own 120-acre farm when a neighboring farmer decided to sell.

In 1978, Butch met Laurie Jane Reimer, and they married on February 10, 1979. Together, they worked the farm and welcomed two daughters in March 1980 and March 1982. However, the drought of 1988 caused their well to run dry twice, prompting the family to leave the farm in mid-1989 and move to New Richmond for over a year. They then relocated to Glenwood City for 1.5 years, during which Butch found employment with Fairest Foods in Baldwin and Smith Implement in Downing. Another move brought the family to Baldwin for the next 10 years, where Butch and Laurie accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. His faith became the cornerstone of his life. Finally, with only one daughter left in college, they settled in Amery.

Butch retired in 2007 from Jongquist Kitchens when the company folded. He then turned his attention to building log furniture in his shop, which he sold at craft fairs. He also enjoyed frequent camping trips.

After a long battle with several debilitating illnesses, Butch peacefully went to be with his God, Healer, and Redeemer on June 23, 2024, while residing at Willow Ridge Healthcare. Now he is healed and whole.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon S. Robbins and Anna L. (Krizan) Robbins. He is survived by his wife, Laurie J. (Reimer) Robbins; daughters, JoEllen (Marshall) Pomeroy and Melissa Robbins; grandson, Elliott Pomeroy; sister, Birdie (Ken) Olson; and nephew and nieces, Greg (Donna) Olson, Terry (Tim) Bol, and Jolene (Pat) Hunter.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, WI. The funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, June 28, 2024 at Journey Church in Amery, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

Last Update: Jun 26, 2024 4:19 pm CDT