Obituary of Floyd Burdett Robbins

Floyd “Bud” Robbins, 91, of Niles, peacefully passed away at home surrounded by his family on May 7, 2022. On January 31, 1931, Bud was born to the late Warren and Anna (Steinbach) Robbins in Niles, Michigan. Bud’s life journey started in Niles and was the baby out of ten other siblings. He grew up in a working-class family who taught him work ethic, respect, and the love of God. After graduating high school, he decided to honor his country by enlisting in the United States Navy, an experience that he was proud of. Bud spent his time as a sailor almost completely at sea aboard the Heavy Cruiser USS Salem and was fortunate enough to never see battle. He enjoyed sharing stories about his time in the military and was a loyal patriot his entire life. The one thing that mattered more to him than anything else was his family. Growing up in a household full of siblings taught him the value and importance of having a family of your own. He married his first love, Jean, and their union brought them four very loving children. He did everything he could to provide for his family and to make as many memories with them as he could. He enjoyed traveling and experiencing the beautiful world around him. As a family, there are numerous memories of road tripping across the U.S. National parks were his favorite places to visit as he had a love for all wildlife. He wasn’t ever a man to hunt because he always thought animals were to be appreciated and loved. Working in the tool and dye industry after his military service rewarded him with a comfortable life, but never without sacrifice and hard work. As his passion for the work he did grew, so did his talents and abilities outside of work. Bud was one that could pull apart and put back together just about any machine you put in front of him. He thoroughly enjoyed lathe work, carpentry, and any other hobby he could find that involved using his hands to create something from nothing. He built steam engines, as well as the house that he lived in. He took pride in his accomplishments and was willing to share whatever knowledge he had if there was somebody who had similar interests. As time went on, he went from being a father, to grandfather, to great-grandfather, and even a great-great-grandfather. He had the privilege of welcoming five generations. He loved his family to his very last breath and will be sorely missed by his friends, family, and loved ones. Bud is preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Anna (Steinbach) Robbins; all ten of his siblings; his first love, Jean Robbins; one of his children, Floy Jean Fralick; mother-in-law, Emmie Grentz; as well as many other extended family members. Those surviving Floyd include his wife of twenty-two years, Christine (Grentz) Robbins; three of his children, Richard (Laura) Robbins, Raymond (Lafo) Robbins, and Kimberley (Steve) Gagnier; thirteen grandchildren; thirty-six great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Siegfried (Denise) Grentz, and Warner (Jan) Grentz; as well as a host of nieces and nephews. A public funeral service will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022, at the Niles West Side Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 1105 Grant St. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. with services beginning at 11:00. Immediately following the funeral service, Floyd will be laid to rest at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made out to the Niles West Side Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinder’s Club, a group he was a part of and firmly believed in. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.