Rev. Haldon J. Robarge

Rev. Haldon J. Robarge

Rev. Haldon J. Robarge, 91, of North Canton, Ohio, surrounded by his family, peacefully went to be with his savior on Friday, June 20th, 2025. He was born at Toledo, Ohio, December 30, 1933, to James and Johanna (Ballert) Robarge. He was an ordained minister and enjoyed serving as a parish pastor for over 47 years. He was an assistant pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Norwalk, Ohio, and later as Senior Pastor 1962-69; Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Girard, Ohio, 1969-1986; Bethel Lutheran Church, Canton, Ohio, 1986-1998; and, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Greenville, Ohio, 1998-2006. After retirement he continued serving as an interim pastor and as a consultant in 11 congregations over a period 12 years in the three Ohio synods (Southern, Northwestern, or Northeastern), and then served as a supply pastor. Some of his most humbling and fulfilling parts of his ministry was seeing more than 14 young people whom he taught or worked with become Lutheran parish pastors and officiating the second marriage of his widowed mother to George Lustic.

Various professional, church and community organizations in which Robarge was involved in include Chairman Huron County Red Cross, Chaplaincy in Civil Air Patrol, Holiday Inn Hotel, and Aultman Medical Center. He was also president of numerous clergy/ministerial groups, instructor at Trumbull County Mental Health Center and consultant/mediator for congregations in conflict in Northeastern Ohio Synod of the ELCA. In 1985 he was nominated for "Who's Who in Religion in America in 1985." He has received certification as a Church Growth and Church Conflict Consultant; Taylor Johnson Temperament Analysis (TJTA) Administrator and Instructor; Parent Effectiveness Trainer (PET), Teacher Effectiveness Trainer (TET) and Youth Effectiveness Trainer (YET). He attended Capital University and is a graduate of the University of Toledo (1955 B.A.) and Capital University Seminary (Trinity Seminary), Columbus, Ohio, (1959 B.D.). He also attended the University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, 1963; Pittsburg Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, PA, 1972; Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio, 1977 M.Div.; and McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois, 1980-82, where he completed the academic requirements for Doctor of Ministry.

Robarge enjoyed being active with sports and hobbies which include swimming, fishing, golf, tennis, bowling, fast-pitch softball and basketball. Later years it was more watching many sporting events on TV.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; parents, Johanna and James Robarge; and stepfather, George Lustic; brother, Paul Robarge; sister, Barbara Eisenhauer; sister-in-law, Diane Robarge; brothers-in-law, Carl Eisenhauer, Robert and James Babcock; daughter-in-law, Patti Valentich; granddaughter, Tara Robarge. He is survived by his sons, John of North Canton, Ohio; James (Lisa Hill) of Louisville, Ohio; daughter, Pamela (Burns), and fiancé, Dave Kinion, of Estero, Florida; grandsons, Ryan Burns (Haley), Nathan Burns (Collette), Conner and Adam Burns; step-granddaughter, Vanessa Valentich; great-granddaughters, Cora and Amelia Burns. He is also survived by his two sisters, Ruth Mayer (Gary) of Fredericksburg, Texas; and Tracey Lustic of Toledo. He is also survived by numerous many nephews and nieces. He was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. He loved many, was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Haldon's celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 27th, at 1 p.m., Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2551 55th St., NE Canton, Ohio. The family will greet visitors two hours preceding the service. The family would like to thank Windsor Medical Center and Aultman Hospice for the compassionate and exceptional care provided during his final days. We would also like to thank Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and The Ohio Lutheran Synod for honoring our father's wishes. Arrangements entrusted to the Mark R. Vrabel Funeral Home, North Canton, OH, 330-452-4041.