Kathleen May Robke

Kathleen May Robke October 12, 1946 – September 28, 2025
With deep love and gratitude, we remember Kathleen May Robke, who passed away peacefully in Bradenton, Florida, on September 28, 2025. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 12, 1946, Kathy was the cherished eldest daughter of Richard and Dolores Freiburghaus.
Kathy graduated from Affton High School and went on to work in the banking, real estate, and health insurance industries. In retirement, she gave back to her community by volunteering at Lake Regional Hospital in Lake of the Ozarks, a place that held special meaning after it saved her dear husband Gil's life.
Throughout her 78 years, Kathy's life was centered around her family and friends. Her guiding motto, "Make Every Day a Celebration," was evident in the way she and Gil lived their lives together throughout their 60 years of marriage. Family meant everything to Kathy. She and Gil found joy in celebrating with their children, Dennis and Mary, their spouses Nichole and Gary, and their grandchildren, Joe and Mattie. As lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fans, Kathy and Gil often shared the excitement of baseball games with their family, whether in St. Louis or at spring training in Jupiter, Florida. The family also treasured vacations and holidays spent together.
After retiring, Kathy and Gil moved from St. Louis to their home at the Lake of the Ozarks, where Kathy embraced lake life and created countless adventures with her grandchildren. Later, they relocated to Florida to be near their children, continuing to make memories as a close-knit family.
Kathy had a gift for making even the simplest moments special. She enjoyed traveling, attending theater and concerts in the park, reading, exploring new places, outdoor adventures, and was a fierce competitor when playing games. Her home was always open to friends and family, and she was known for her warmth and hospitality. As an accomplished cook and baker, Kathy loved hosting gatherings-whether in the dining room, by the fire in winter, on the patio in summer, or on the deck or dock at the lake. Every event Kathy hosted was festive, including her legendary midnight suppers, with attention given to every detail in the thoughtful presentation, making every guest feel special.
Kathy is predeceased by her father, Richard Freiburghaus; her mother, Dolores Freiburghaus (née May); and her sister, Deborah "Debby" Homeier (née Freiburghaus). She is survived by her devoted husband, Gilbert "Gil" Robke of Bradenton, FL; her son, Dennis (Nichole) Robke of Holmes Beach, FL; her daughter, Mary (Gary) Colombara (née Robke) of Bradenton, FL; her two grandsons, Joseph Robke and Matthew Robke; and her sister, Linda Freiburghaus.
A Mass to honor Kathy's life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Chapel at SS Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church with a reception to follow onsite at 2850 75th St W in Bradenton, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kathy's favorite charity, Forest Park Forever, a nonprofit conservancy.
Kathy-Mom-will live on in our hearts and spirit forever. May we all remember to Make Every Day a Celebration.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathleen, please visit our floral store.