April 12, 1931 – November 20, 2025
Robin Vosburgh, born April 12, 1931, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025, surrounded by family. She was beautiful, strong, loving, and a remarkable role model for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Robin began life on a rubber plantation in Sumatra, Indonesia, where her father managed the estate. Her earliest years were spent traveling with her parents and her brother Chris throughout Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, until World War II abruptly altered their world. During the war, Robin, her mother, father, and Chris were imprisoned in a Japanese POW camp for three years. Even in those unimaginable conditions, she carried herself with dignity, courage, and resilience – qualities that would define her entire life.
After liberation, the family resettled in Scotland, her father’s homeland. Robin attended boarding school, where she played field hockey, and later university, where she was crowned Queen of the Arts Ball. She earned a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management, reflecting her lifelong love of cooking, hospitality, and bringing people together.
Robin met her husband, Joe, in Scotland, and after their wedding and honeymoon in Lugano, Switzerland, they eventually moved to North Iowa. There, they raised four children and built a warm, bustling home filled with laughter, conversation, and constant family activity. All while raising her busy family, she loyally cared for Joe, standing by him through every chapter of their life together.
Robin had a remarkable memory – if you couldn’t recall a date or name, you simply called Robin. She cared deeply about family and kept track of everyone’s birthdays, milestones, and stories. She stayed in close contact with family and friends “across the pond” and was surprisingly tech-savvy for her generation. She emailed, FaceTimed, and messaged her grandchildren regularly, cherishing those conversations. Her connection with family overseas remained strong throughout her life; as one family member wrote, “Giving thanks for our beautiful, resilient, caring and loving Auntie Robin.”
She was a friend to many and famous for her shortbread. Robin was a fantastic cook, and if you were lucky, she prepared Rijsttafel for you – a meal no one ever forgot. Her hospitality, generosity, and warmth made everyone feel welcome.
Throughout her life, Robin enjoyed traveling and had explored all over the world. She remained curious, open-hearted, and deeply engaged with life well into her later years.
She carried her beauty, humor, and sharp wit throughout her life. Her sarcasm was legendary, and she could make an entire room laugh with a single look or perfectly timed remark.
Robin is survived by her children: Bob Vosburgh (Cindy), Sascha Simmons (Joel), Dell Vosburgh, and Sonja Tepley (Mike). She was the beloved grandmother of Blake, Jessica, Heather, Emerald, Adriana, Dirk, Alexa, Alexandra, and Anelise, and the proud great-grandmother of 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Gert Williams.
Robin faced every chapter of life with resilience, determination, and heart. Her legacy is one of courage, loyalty, humor, and deep love for her family. She will be profoundly missed.
The family sincerely thanks her wonderful caregivers, and in particular Monika and Ghania, for their loving care during Robin’s final year.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. until service time on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 502 2nd St S, Rockwell, IA. Pastor Jane Harris will be officiating. Following the service, Robin will be laid to rest at the Rockwell Cemetery.
fullertonfh.com