George A. Robke

George A. Robke, age 72 of Lino Lakes, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday morning, February, 1, 2017, at his home following an extended illness. George, the son of George B. and Leona (Kavanagh), was born on March 12, 1944, in Lansing, Michigan. Following his graduation in 1962 from St. Marys High School in Carson City, Michigan, George enlisted in the United States Air Force. After being honorably discharged, he continued his education at Lansing Community College. In 1969, George and Kriss Middleton were married and were blessed with two children, Wayne and Dean. George worked in Arizona for a short time before returning to Carson City. He then took a job in Data Center Management at Jostens in Owatonna and later moved to San Antonio where he worked for a medical company. After he and Kriss divorced, George briefly returned to Michigan and then accepted a job as one of the original twenty employees when the Minnesota State Lottery was formed. George loved working with his close friends for many years and retired in 2011 as his health began to fail. Whether it was attending the many sporting events, driving his truck, or playing cards with his neighbors and friends, George always enjoyed having a good time. He met the love of his life, Mars, in 1992, and together they enjoyed traveling, going to the casino, and spending time with the grandchildren. George was a proud Veteran and enjoyed being a longtime member of the American Legion and VFW. He was preceded in death by his parents. George is survived by his "Babes," Mars of Lino Lakes; his sons, Wayne (Katie Galvin) Robke of California and Dean (Sarah) Robke of Wisconsin; his grandchildren, Clare, Erin, Briana, and Eliot; his siblings, Teresa (Joe) Mills, Mary Nakfoor, Barney Robke, Kathy Heriford, Ann (Craig) Rundle and Margaret May; his twelve nieces and nephews and by many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes, with Father Mike Anderson officiating. Interment with Honors will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis. Visitation will be held 4-8 p.m. Monday and will continue for one hour prior to Mass on Tuesday morning, both AT CHURCH. In lieu of flowers, Georges family request memorials be directed to the American Cancer Society, the American Legion Post Family Post 566 of Lino Lakes or the Sgt John Rice VFW Post 6316 of Blaine in his memory. Arrangements are being completed by Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services of Hastings.