Norman Joseph Robben

Norman Joseph Robben, age 70, of Walker, Kansas, passed away surrounded by loved ones at his home in Walker on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

Norman was born on June 8, 1954, in Hays, Kansas, to Wilfred and Viola (Hammerschmidt) Robben. A proud graduate of Victoria High School in 1972, he pursued his passion for mechanics at Goodland Vo-Tech, earning a degree in Auto Body Mechanics in 1974. On October 9, 1976, he married the love of his life, Linda Staab, in Hays, beginning a beautiful journey together that would span nearly five decades.

Throughout his life, Norman wore many hats, but his heart belonged to farming and ranching. He dedicated his hands to various roles in the workforce, including stints at Herb Lungren Chevrolet, Chapman Auto Glass, Don Pratt Farms, Raines and Williams, Edsco Drilling, King of the Road manufacturing, and Enersys. However, it was on the farm that he found his true fulfillment.

A devoted member of St. Ann’s Church in Walker and a 3rd degree member of the Victoria Council Knights of Columbus, Norman served his communities with love and dedication. His contributions as a board member for St. Ann’s Parish, the Victoria School Board, the Walker Water District and Water District #5 boards reflected his commitment to those around him.

Norman was a man of many interests; he delighted in sports, cherished the companionship of his beloved dogs, and found joy in fishing and, of course, farming. But above all, he reveled in the company of his grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable pride. Known for his larger-than-life personality and his penchant for humor, Norman touched the hearts of all he met, embodying a spirit of kindness and hard work.

Norman's legacy lives on in his beloved wife, Linda; his son, Jason Robben of Victoria, Kansas; daughter Christina Sramek and husband Ryan of Hays; and grandchildren, including Haley Gagnon and husband Connor of Walker, along with their children Whitten, Wilkes, and Banks, as well as Talyn Robben of Victoria. He is also survived by his brothers, Leroy Robben and wife Karen, and Melvin Robben and wife Patty, all of Salina.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Virgil and Wilma Staab; brother, James Robben and wife Jane; grandson, Landry Robben; great-granddaughter, Blakely Gagnon; and nephew, Kevin Staab.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Friday, January 31, 2025 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Walker with Fr. Jim Moster officiating. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial visitation will be Thursday 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM and Friday 9:00 AM until service time all at the church.

A combined parish vigil service followed by a Victoria council 3rd degree Knights of Columbus rosary will be at 7:00 PM on Thursday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Norman's name be made to St. Ann's Church, HaysMed Hospice, or Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

The family invites all to share memories and words of comfort on Norman's Tribute Page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com

Arrangements under the care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory-Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.