Louise Lillian Robinson

Louise L. Robinson age 79 of Detroit Lakes, MN died January 31, 2021 in her residence.

Louise Lillian Robinson was born March 17, 1941 on a farm south of Osage, MN to George and Sylvia Mattson Laine. She was born in a St. Patrick’s Day blizzard. Her uncle Richard Mattson took a team of horses to get a neighbor lady who was a midwife to deliver her. They were too late; her Dad had delivered her.

Louise attended Osage Elementary School until 8^th grade when the students were transferred to Park Rapids.  Louise was active in band and choir in high school. She graduated from high school in 1959.  From there she attended the Swedish Hospital School of Nursing in Minneapolis, MN, graduating in 1962 as an RN.  Upon graduation, she worked at the VA hospital in Fort Snelling from 1962 to 1965.

In 1963 she was united in marriage to Joseph William Robinson.  In 1965 they moved to Puposky, MN where Louise was the director of Nursing at the Lake Julia rest home.  Then, in 1966 they moved to Bemidji, MN where she worked for Dr. Gregoire (OBGYN) as his surgical nurse.  It was in Bemidji, on December 24, 1966 when their son John was born.

In 1968 the family moved to Detroit Lakes, MN where Louise began working at St. Mary’s Hospital on the evening shift.  During this time she became acquainted with the Licensed Practical Nursing staff at what is now known as the Northwest Technical College.  She was asked to join the teaching staff at the college as a part time instructor.  In 1995 she retired from the college as the Director of the LPN Nursing Program.  In 1971 her daughter Sarah was born, completing the family.  Louise loved nursing and teaching her students.  After retiring she worked for Off the Beaten Path, a company based in Fairbault, MN that took special needs adults on trips around the U.S.

Louise enjoyed her activities at Zion Lutheran Church, including Bible Study, LWML, Priscilla Guild, Guild Singers, and Faithfully Fit. She also enjoyed clogging, playing golf (getting a hole in one), and most of all grandparenting. Louise loved to travel Europe, Russia, Alaska, Canada, and Florida in the winter.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Bill; one son John (Elizabeth) Robinson; one daughter Sarah (Dave) Balzer; two grandchildren, Maggie and Charlie Robinson; one brother, Evalt (Gayle) Laine; two sisters, Linda Kirchmaier; and Julie (Andy) Espinosa; aunt Helen Laine; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by per parents, granddaughter Josie Hannah Robinson and nephew Scott Laine.

Louise was a strong Christian, often proclaiming her love of Jesus. She was a loving wife, a caring mother, and a dedicated nurse and teacher.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday June 19, 2021; 11:00 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes, MN. Visitation will be on Friday June 18, 2021 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the West-Kjos Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Interment will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Detroit Lakes, MN.

In lieu of flowers, please give to ALS Association or Zion Lutheran Church. 

Tribute Video https://animoto.com/play/pVkNr2SG8t1vTbyzNsVjJg?autostart=1