In Memory
Kirk J Robbins
October 9, 1951 ~ November 16, 2023 (age 72)
Kirk J Robbins, husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully in his hometown of South Bend, Indiana, on November 16, 2023. He was born on October 9, 1951, to Jarvis and Barbara (Kirkwood) Robbins. Kirk’s life was marked by a deep love for his family, a commitment to Christian service, a passion for storytelling, and a zest for sailing.
Kirk was a proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture. He particularly remembered his semester studying abroad in Italy, biking up and down all seven hills of Rome and searching out his favorite calzone stop. His love for design and architecture led him to a career in commercial construction. When driving around the South Bend area, he would often point out buildings he had worked on—telling a funny story or reminiscing about the people he met. Furthering his education, Kirk also obtained a master’s degree in business from Indiana University South Bend.
In his personal life, Kirk was a devoted husband. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda A. Peterson, with whom he shared fourteen cherished years of marriage. Kirk and Linda first met at Clay High School and even went to the prom together. They found each other again some 30 years later and finally tied the knot on June 13, 2009, in North Webster, IN. Together, he and Linda spent hours each week serving the community through their church, food pantry, and other ministries.
Kirk is also survived by his three children: Alexander J. (Sally) Robbins, Sarah N. Linn, and Beck J. Robbins. If you ever ran into Kirk around town, he was probably wearing a t-shirt advertising one of his kids’ sports teams, schools, or fundraising events, and most conversations would include a tale of one or all of his kids doing what they loved most. Kirk’s joy was magnified by the arrival of his grandchildren, Pine and River Robbins, who brought him immense happiness and pride. Kirk also leaves behind his sisters, Kathy J. (Thomas) Miller and Kris J. (Mark) Sprott, who will remember their brother for his support and sense of humor; and three nieces and nephews, Jen (Brian) Dekker, Summer Sprott, and Sawyer (Ruby) Sprott.
Kirk spent any spare moment he could find on the water. Anything to do with sailboats brought him so much joy—going to watch folks sailing during vacation, finding his next boat project, or even just camping out on his docked sailboat for the night.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to everyone in the SICU unit at St. Joseph Health System Mishawaka Medical Center for their incredible care and compassion. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Clay Church Food Pantry or the Northway Church of Christ. Thank you also to Palmer Funeral Home – Welsheimer North Chapel for their assistance. Online condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
11/21/2023 EJS
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