11/30/2017
Dennis Ray “Popeye” Robinson, age 66, of Knoxville, Iowa passed away Thursday evening, November 30, 2017, at the Pella Hospice Comfort House of Pella.
A gathering to celebrate Popeye’s life will be held from 5:00 P.M., until 6:30 P.M., Tuesday evening, December 5th, 2017, at the Winfield Funeral Home with Popeye’s family present. At 6:30 P.M. a service will be led by Pastor Doug Brady.
Dennis Ray Robinson was born on February 12, 1951, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was the son of Donald DeWitt and Darlene Ruth Schroeder Robinson. Popeye grew up in Knoxville and graduated from Knoxville High School, Class of 1969.
After high school, Popeye began attending a trade school before he began working with the Burlington Northern Railroad. Popeye worked with the railroad all his career and he worked for many years on railroad construction and maintenance.
On August 4th, 1973, Popeye and Cheryl Lynn Stanton were united in marriage. They were blessed with two children; Dean and Darci. They later divorced and remained lifetime friends.
Popeye had a lifelong passion for racing. He raced go-carts as a child and shared that passion with his son. He also drag-raced as a young man. Popeye enjoyed car shows, and he loved being with his children and especially his grandchildren.
Those left to cherish Popeye’s memories are his two children, Dean Robinson and wife Alicia of Knoxville and Darci Gettler and husband Josh of Urbandale; and seven grandchildren, Alexis, Trevon, Kaiden, Spencer, Tait, Tytan, and Trey.
Popeye is also survived by his mother Darlene Lyda and Ernie Smith of Knoxville; his sister Jean Neef and husband Tim of Knoxville; one half-brother Todd Robinson of Des Moines; and two nephews, Chad Christensen and Nick Neef.
Popeye was preceded in death by his father Donald.
A memorial may be given in Popeye’s name to the Kiwanis of Knoxville for the Kiwanis Playground.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.winfieldfh.com. The Winfield Funeral Home is assisting Popeye’s family with arrangements.