Wanda Louise Robbins, 98, of Salem Illinois passed away on Thursday morning April 18, 2024. Wanda was born in Burlington Iowa, the daughter of Carl Frederick and Louise Wilhemina (Harre) Picker.
Wanda graduated from Burlington High School in 1942 where she was in the Scribbler’s Club, sang in the school choir, and was the attendant to the Homecoming queen. After graduation, she worked at Witte’s Drug Store and Paint Co. before being employed by The Telephone Company in Burlington where she met her late husband, Joe Robbins, who also worked for The Telephone Company. They married in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in1952 and later moved to Blue Island, Illinois where Joe was based with The Telephone Company. They resided in the south side suburb of Chicago for fourteen years where they had two sons, Barth and Scott.
Wanda and her family moved to Salem Illinois in 1966 where she was a homemaker and worked for Salem Newspaper (Salem Times Commoner) and the Salem National Bank. She was a long-time member of Grace United Methodist Church where she had been the UMW President and secretary. She also worked at the church rummage sale for many years. Her church years also included teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. Her Christian background began with her baptism on February 12, 1927, in Burlington, Iowa at the Evangelical Church at the Top of Snake Alley.
One of the many things she enjoyed after moving to southern Illinois was making a trip to the ballpark in St. Louis to watch the Cardinals and her favorite player Yadi Molina. Those were treasured trips for not only her, but family and friends as well.
Preceded in death by parents, Carl and Louise Picker; brother Warren Picker; and husband, Joe Robbins.
Wanda is survived by son, Barth and Susan Robbins; grandson, Dustin and wife Ginger; granddaughter, Amanda and her children Gracie, Payton, Ryland and Gage; and grandson, Blaine and his children, Anna, and Kane; son, Scott and Kathie Robbins; grandsons, Eric, Daniel and Jack; and great-grandson, Colt, son of Daniel and Holly Robbins; and niece, Martha Gruenkemeyer and husband Kent; and nephew, Barry Robbins of Salem Illinois.
Graveside services for Wanda Louise Robbins will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at East Lawn Cemetery in Salem. Crouse Funeral Home in Salem is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and memories can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
