Francis “Earl” Robbins, Jr, beloved husband, father, and grandfather was born April 7, 1941, in Boston, MA and departed this life on December 2, 2023, in Pleasant Prairie, WI following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia.
Known as Earl to all who knew him; he was a U.S. Navy veteran. After leaving the service, he held a variety of jobs. He attended cooking school and worked at some of the best restaurants in Boston. As a teenager, Earl had an interest in woodworking, and he used that skill as a carpenter. After meeting his wife, Chris, he moved to Illinois and became a boat carpenter on Lake Michigan. He later owned and operated a woodworking company called Liberty Tree, where he made custom furniture and became a master cabinetmaker and woodcarver. He ended his woodworking career at Marshall Furniture, Antioch, IL.
After retirement, Earl had his own workshop and enjoyed collecting and learning the history of antique woodworking tools. If anyone had a question about a tool, he could answer it. Earl also held a great love of art, history, and music. He and his wife, Chris both enjoyed extensive travel throughout their 50+ years of life together. Earl loved nature and animals, especially the many dogs who were part of his life. He held his family dear and loved his children and grandchildren.
Earl is survived by his loving and much-loved wife, Christine; son Andrew (Beth); daughter, April (Tony); grandchildren, Vera, Hope and Ethan; brother-in-law, Bob (Linda) Koudelka; many nieces and nephews in the Boston area; and many dear lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis E. and Eva (LeGendre) Robbins; his twin brother, Edward; two sisters, Geraldine and Caroline; and his father and mother-in-law, Edward and Geraldine Koudelka.
Earls’ legacy will live on through his family and friends, as well as the beautiful furniture and artwork he created during his lifetime.
Per his wishes, there will be no services held. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with military honors at 6:30 p.m. His ashes will be interred privately on Mackinac Island, MI, a favorite destination for many years.
