Virgil "Bub" Robbins

Virgil “Bub” Robbins, age 92 of Brownville, passed away at his home Friday, October 21, 2022. 



Virgil Paul Robbins, Jr., son of Virgil Paul, Sr. and Lalla Gladys (Cogdil) Robbins, was born June 3, 1930, in a farmhouse near Tecumseh, Nebraska. Virgil attended District 66 School near Brownville, Nebraska. After 8th grade he farmed with his dad and worked odd jobs. He then worked for the railroad while saving up to join the Army. Virgil was a proud veteran. He was drafted at age 20 for a 2-year term in the Army. He was 21 when he went to Korea, after Korea he was stationed in Michigan for six months where he worked on phones & radios and was a guard. He enjoyed his time in Michigan and spoke of the snow and winter weather often. 

Virgil was united in marriage to Mary Jane Fox on July 31, 1953. They made their home in rural Brownville and would be blessed with sons James Lee and Steven Joe.

Virgil was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge for 64 years. He became a member in 1958 when the Brownville Lodge was celebrating its 100th anniversary.  He completed his Master degree at annual communication in front of several hundred masons from around the state with his friend, Clay Kennedy, as the master. He later was initiated into Eastern Star and was a member for almost 58 years. Virgil & Janie spent a lot of time devoted to these organizations together.

Virgil farmed his whole life and loved it. He was still helping farm until this year when his health made it too difficult for him, but he wanted to be out there.

Virgil loved his family and was a loyal friend to many. He attended all his granddaughter’s activities growing up and supported them in everything as adults. He also spent a lot of time with the Kennedy boys and attended their activites and enjoyed watching them grow. He helped raise and had a big influence on nephews Duane & John King. 

His greatest blessing was becoming a great-grandpa and then being known as Grampy.  All the kids loved having Grampy share his wisdom with them on everything from farming to mechanics to music. He would happily tell everyone that great-granddaughter Abby was his favorite person, and he did everything he could to spoil her rotten. 

Once Virgil slowed down with farming, he enjoyed gardening with Janie until she passed, and then kept it going after, even having a small garden this summer. He worked hard keeping his wood pile stocked for winter or he could be found watching a western on tv. He spent lots of time over the years playing cards or eating meals with family & friends.  

Survivors include his sons Jim and wife Shirley Robbins of Peru, Joe Robbins of Omaha; grandchildren Brandy Van Der Kamp and significant other Grant Wyatt, Jamie Swanson and husband Tony of Council Bluffs; great-grandchildren Kobe and Abby Van Der Kamp, William Swanson; bonus great-grandchildren Dylan and Noah Wyatt; nephews Duane (Kathy) King and John (Susan) King, nieces Linda Carder, Wanda King, and Robin Sudman; friends that became family Steve (Lisa) Matthews, sons Andrew & Ian of Arizona, Bruce (Sara) Matthews and kids Emmaline, Owen & Aidan of Pennsylvania, Doris (Larry) Bonacci and son Nick of Omaha, Duane Rader of Auburn, Stephen & Chris Kennedy and sons Andrew & Eli of Brownville. Other relatives and many friends. 

Special thanks to the early morning coffee drinkers for years of friendship & company.

A graveside memorial service will be Thursday, November 3, 11:00 a.m. at Walnut Grove Cemetery at Brownville. Visitation will be at the funeral home Wednesday, November 2, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00. Masonic Rites will be recited at 7:00 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to Brownville Masonic Lodge.