Obituary
Paul Michael Robinson
Paul Michael Robinson, 73, of Holmen, WI passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Emplify by Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. He was born on October 9, 1951, the only son of Ellsworth and Eleanor (Kinney) Robinson of Onalaska, WI. He married Mary (Bagley) Robinson on July 4, 1986 in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Onalaska WI.
Paul grew up in a supportive, hard working family that owned and operated the family business, Robinson Transfer Co. Inc. After his dad died suddenly, Paul took over the trucking company with the support and guidance of many loyal truck drivers who had driven for the company and his Mom’s keen sense of business; gradually working up to the position of President of the company, running this company until his retirement in 2012 when he closed the business.
Paul enjoyed many sports. He loved being the coach of the Onalaska Women’s 151 Hair Salon softball team well as the sponsor of their bowling team; most years accompanying the ladies to the state tournament for moral support as their biggest fan. Paul was an avid sports fan of all things Wisconsin- Packers, Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, and of the Atlanta Braves. (Formerly the Milwaukee Braves in years long ago as he would tell anyone who asked why he also followed the Atlanta Braves so closely). By far, his absolute favorite job here on earth was that of Grandpa to his two grandsons.
Paul is survived by his wife of 39 years, Mary, their daughter Hannah (Emilio) Sanchez, their two sons Noah and Gavin, his sister Penny Robinson, sisters-in-law Cindy Close (daughter Steph, sons Ben and Will), Pam (Scott) Houdek (daughter Melissa, granddaughter Mena), Jen (Regi) Trotter (son Quentin, daughters Camille, and Zoe), sister-in-law Bonnie (Fred) Bagley (daughter Amy (Steve) Stepec, sons Jack, Henry, daughters Evelyn and Lucy), his brothers-in-law Pat Bagley, and Chuck Bagley (daughter Katie, sons Patrick and Jack) and many cousins from the Robinson family.
Paul was preceded in life by his parents, Ellsworth and Eleanor Robinson, his father-in-law Fred Bagley, his mother-in-law, Lucille Bagley, and his brother-in-law Fred Bagley.
In lieu of flowers, please take a loved one to a ball game of your choice, spring for ‘the good seats’ and raise a hand to the heavens to thank Paul for the great day.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Gathering Place, 133 Mason St, Onalaska, WI 54650. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Pastor Karyn Bodenschatz will officiate.
Happiness is having a good friend like Paul in your life. You will be missed around the campfire. Friends like Paul and Mary are family without a birth certificate. Here’s a huge farewell hug to Paul and another for Mary for your loss. We are so grateful to have you in Geezer family. Our deepest sympathies.
What a kind gentle man! He loved to laugh and always took time to say hello and ask how you were doing!
I will always remember the Oktoberfest parade of 1986!
Very sorry Mary and family! He will be missed!
Mary and family,
Our loved ones never truly leave us. Memories of them fill our hearts, slowly mending us day by day.
Thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Mary, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Mary and Family,
I’m sorry to learn Paul has died. The obituary is a lovely tribute. May your memories of Paul and all you did together bring comfort. Those we love are with us always.
-Karen Acker
My Codolences Mary to you and your family.Paul was and still is a great man.We enjoyed many great times together.God 🙌
So sorry for your loss Mary. May happy memories bring lasting comfort to you and family.
The Robinson Family,
Sincere condolences Mary to you and your family. I grew up with Paul and Penny when we lived in Kinney Coulee. I only have memories of Paul when we were very young. Good memories of play time spent with Paul and Penny. I was saddened to hear of Paul’s passing. Blessings for the Robinson family.
Willis Hauser
San Antonio, Tx
so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I went to school with his sister, Penny. Had lost touch with both many years ago. Remember the good times.
Mary, so sorry for your loss. Cherish your many wonderful memories and know you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many.
I remember Paul as a very little boy in the nursery at first Presbyterian Church in La Crosse. My mother was in charge of the nursery. Paul was so cute that all the young people of the church wanted to hold him and play with him. We fought over him so much that my mother kicked us out of the nursery and told us we could not come back. Sorry, Mary for your loss. I believe you knew my husband, Ken from teaching in La Crosse.
Mary and family,
My sincere sympathy at the loss of Paul. His obituary painted a man with a full heart and love for his family and friends.
Mary, sending you many hugs and prayers!
Dear Mary,
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other. I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. I know you have many wonderful memories to treasure. He and your families will be in my prayers. God bless.
Mary and Hannah,
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and your Dad. It sounds like he had many memories with you and other friends and family members. I know Paul will claim a giant piece of your heart forever.
I am very sorry for your loss Mary! You and your family have my deepest sympathy! Paul was truly a Great Friend and I will miss him dearly! Paul was the Best! RIP Paul💕.
Mary I am so sorry for your loss. Paul was such a kind and unforgettable guy. I will never forget our shenanigans on Gould & Mississippi Streets. Sending lots of hugs & prayers.
Mary,
I am so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. Thinking of you and Hannah.
Mary and Hannah,
My sympathy to both of you. Paul did many things in his life. His family meant a lot. So glad he got to meet and spend time with his precious little grandsons. Hugs!
Paul was and old friend – We went to Campus school at UW- L for nine years together — He was al great person – In the 60’s we would go his parents farm and stay and ride horses – I knew his parents too – mostly his mother -a grand lady- He will be missed — I am not sure I will be able to make his funeral? But I will try – God bless his family- May He Rest in Peace 🙏
Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts
Mary & Hannah,
We’re thinking of you at this time. Praying God’s grace to both of you. We know you will miss Paul for sure. He is one of the great guys I’ll remember from growing up and a good friend of Dad’s.
I hope there’s a Country Kitchen in Heaven. Pity to the waitress that has to wait on him and Mark Grooms.
such a special man. So Sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss!! We loved seeing his smiling face and listening to his stories at Perkins. Us girls are going to miss seeing him. He sure loved his Family and so proud of them. Our memories will always bring a smile to our faces!! The Perkins Girls!!
mary, just went through obituaries and saw the loss of your husband paul. My heart goes out to you and your family.
been too many years since seen one another. I moved back to the area several years ago. thought of you often..
god bless