Bernard Robinson

Bernard Robinson, age 71, of Newell, Iowa died Friday, November 13, 2009 at the Panora Nursing Home and Rehab Center. Bernard James Robinson was born on May 26, 1938, in Storm Lake, Iowa to Victor and Angeline (Adams) Robinson. He attended school in Storm Lake, graduating from Storm Lake High School in 1956. Following graduation, Bernie completed his freshman year of college at Iowa State University, before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1957. He served with the 1100th Air Police Squadron, prior to this honorable discharge in 1961. In 1962, Bernie enrolled at Buena Vista College, where he played basketball and later served at assistant coach. On January 5, 1963, Bernie was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Stalcup in Storm Lake, Iowa. The couple was blessed with three children: Beth, Stephen and David. In 1985, Bernie married Donna Magnussen. Bernie taught Science and Biology at Panora-Linden High School. He served as Head Football coach, Head Girls Basketball, Track and Softball coach. During this time, the girls basketball team qualified for state. Bernie also taught and coached at Earlham High School. After leaving the teaching profession, Bernie held a multitude of other jobs, including owning his own bar, â€œBernieâ€™s Tapâ€, for a short time. However, the job he liked the best was driving truck for Magnussen Trucking, until health reasons forced his retirement. Bernie had a true zest for life. He loved playing sports as a youth, then coaching and ultimately watching sports on television. Many hours were spent reading, his favorite, Louis L'Amour books and watching Westerns. Bernie and Donna enjoyed spending time with friends at Beef Country. He loved his cat, Whiskers, and his dog, Lizzie and never left the house without a Buckeye in his pocket for â€œgood luck.â€ The most important thing in Bernieâ€™s life was his family and friends. He took much pride and enjoyment in spending time with his family. Bernie will be deeply missed and remembered as a loving and devoted father and grandfather. Those left to cherish his memory are children: Beth Dorsett and her husband, Brian of Panora, Iowa; Stephen Robinson of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and David Robinson of New Virginia, Iowa; seven step-children: Dean (Lois) Magnussen of Dubois, Wyoming; Chris (Tom) Hare of Linn Grove, Iowa; Dawn (John) Miller of Albert City, Iowa; Duane (Cindy) Magnussen of Newell, Iowa; Lisa (Dick) Reinert of Marcus, Iowa; Brenda (Dean) West of Peterson, Iowa; and Kevin (Wendy) Magnussen of Moville, Iowa; two brothers: Dennis Robinson and his wife, Cynthia, of Storm Lake, Iowa and Virgil Robinson and his wife, Laurie of Urbandale, Iowa; one sister-in-law, Darlene Woltman and her husband, Loren, of Cherokee, Iowa; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family and a host of friends. Bernie is preceded in death by his parents and wife of 22 years, Donna.

Bernard Robinson

May 26, 1938 - November 13, 2009