Mabelle Julia Roben

Mabelle Julia Roben (née Kotz) left our earthly realm quietly at the age of 92 on April 10th 2012 in Appleton, WI. She was born on a farm outside of Clear Lake, Iowa on January 23, 1920 to Louis and Tilda (Ashland) Kotz, the second of six children. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1938 and attended both Iowa Teachers College (UNI) and Mason City Junior College receiving a degree in Elementary Education. After teaching in several country schools in northern Iowa, she left her career to marry Glen Roben of Rockwell. Together they farmed near Sheffield, IA for over 50 years and raised four children: Gerald (Sue) of Bellevue, IA, Glennys (Robert Compton) of Columbia, SC, Gail (Larry Johnson) of Butte des Morts, WI, and Gregory (Monica) of Oconomowoc, WI. They were not traditional farmers in many ways and enjoyed fishing, camping and travel as well as community, church, and civic activities. Mabelle served as co- leader of the Geneseo Cloverettes 4H Club, president of the local Federated Women's Club, northern Iowa district officer for WELCA as well as president of St Peter's Lutheran Church's WELCA. She was willing to take a leadership role in activities sponsored not only by their church but in organizations like the Rockwell Lions Club, Cerro Gordo county 4H and Farm Bureau. She taught Sunday School and Bible School for years at her church and was always willing to do more than her share. By doing so, she and Glen both set examples for their family on the importance of community involvement and the richness of an active life.

In 2003, Mabelle & Glen left their beloved Iowa to be closer to their children in Wisconsin. She enjoyed her years in Appleton at the Heritage in the Woods. She made many new friends and loved spending time on the deck looking out over Lake Butte des Morts with her family.

Mabelle leaves behind her four devoted children and their families, including eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers Earl and Edward Kotz and sister Doris Creager as well as many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed but they know she is going into the loving arms of others who have gone before, including her parents, brothers Stanley and Wilbur Kotz, and husband Glen.

The family wishes to thank the Rockwell, Iowa community for their continued caring, the Heritage community in Appleton for their friendship and assistance, and the Theda Care Hospice program for their most recent support. Memorials can be sent to St. Peter's Lutheran church, Rockwell, Iowa 50469.
A memorial service will be held in Rockwell in mid June to celebrate Mabelle's life.