Harry J. Robben, age 73 of St. Mary’s, died Sunday, June 19, 2016 at his residence. Born April 14, 1943 in Cincinnati, Ohio, he is the son of Elizabeth (Nee: Koch) and August Robben Sr. He married Kathleen Helmes May 27, 1967 at Our Lady of Victory Church in Cincinnati, was a farmer and a truck driver for August Robben and Sons Trucking for over 50 years.
Harry’s life could be summed up in three words………..family, faith and work. Family was a priority to Harry. He would often haul loads down to the barges in Cincinnati and on his way back he would take the long way home to stop and visit relatives in Cincinnati or his children, no matter where they were. He was also very devout and would pray the rosary while driving and according to the family it wasn’t uncommon for him to break into some of his favorite hymns without warning. As far as hobbies, well, work was his hobby, with the exception of westerns and his farm magazines. A scrapper, you knew Harry was coming down the road when you’d see his red pickup loaded down. He was a good hearted individual and the boys laughed that he always made an impression on those he’d talk too. Apparently Harry was hard of hearing or almost deaf depending on which family member you asked and because of that, he would get into your personal space so he could hear you and read your lips. They also teased that he had a saying for everything. A couple of his favorites were “if you can’t be good, then be good at what you do” and “actions speak louder than words.” In addition to his family, the farm was also his pride and joy. He bought it in 1967 and spent the next 49 years loving every minute of it.
He is survived by his wife Kay; sons Harry of St. Peter’s, Indiana, Hugh of St. Mary’s, Indiana, Hans of Cincinnati, Ohio, Herbert of Oldenburg; sister Betty Siefke; brother Leroy, both of Cincinnati, Ohio and eleven grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by sisters Dolores Duwel, Rosemary Bruns and brothers Joe, August Jr., Leonard and Paul.
Visitation is Wednesday, June 22nd, from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home. A rosary service will be held at 4 p.m. Funeral services are 11 a.m. Thursday, June 23rd, at St. Mary’s of the Rock Church with Rev. David Kobak O.F.M. officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to the St. Mary’s of the Rock Preservation Fund or Margaret Mary Health Foundation Hospice.