Obituary of Edward Lee Robinson

    Edward Lee “Ed” Robinson, son of Edgar M. and Ann (Heimensen) Robinson, was born July 20, 1945, in Sheldon, IA. He had two older siblings at home to welcome him, Richard “Dick” and Eleanor. Throughout his early years, he lived in Sheldon, Columbus, OH, Minnesota, and lastly, in Primghar, IA where he spent the bulk of his youth. He received his education there, graduating from Primghar High School. Following graduation, Ed furthered his education at Nettleton College in Sioux Falls, SD where he majored in accounting.

    The summer of 1963, Ed met his future wife, Billie Suzanne Vezina, on a blind date while attending Primghar’s Diamond Jubilee. On August 21, 1965, he and Billie were united in marriage at Hartley, IA. They lived for a short time in Manning, IA before moving back to Hartley to join Billie’s parents in the newspaper business at the Hartley SENTINEL. They were blessed with two sons - Will, in 1967 and Andy, in 1973; Andy passed away only a few days after he was born.

    Ed and Billie were very active in the newspaper business for many years. They were both named as Master Editor Publishers – the highest honor given by the Iowa Newspaper Association. Ed served as president for the Interstate Editorial board, as well as 10 years on the Iowa Newspaper Association board, holding the office of president his final year. He also gave back to his community by serving on various local boards including TCA (The Community Agency), Hartley’s City Council for 16 years, the Hartley Chamber of Commerce and acting as the town’s mayor for six years.

    On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, Ed passed from this life at the age of 78 years. He now joins loved ones who have gone before: his wife, Billie (September 2007); his son, Andrew Lee Robinson; parents, Ed and Ann Robinson; brother, Dick (Maxine) Robinson; sister, Ellie (Don) Greenlee; his father and mother-in-law, Bill (Doris) Vezina; and brother-in-law, Jim Wilson.

    Left to cherish his memory are his son, Will Robinson of Hartley, IA; sister-in-law, Carolyn Kay Wilson of Omaha, NE; many other nieces, nephews, relatives and many great friends.