Jerry Robinson
AUBURN, IN:
Jerry Robinson, age 91 of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026. He was born on June 29, 1934 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to John and Lucinda Robinson.
Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army as a Specialist 4th Class, spending two years in Korea. Following his military service, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Tool and Manufacturing Engineering in 1963, a field that reflected his lifelong passion for designing and building.
Jerry enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as an engineer and designer. He worked for General Products for over 20 years, including time in Michigan, and played a key role in designing the company’s facility in Angola, Indiana. His professional work also included design projects for Chevrolet, Ford, and Rea Magnet Wire in Fort Wayne. A talented builder, Jerry designed and constructed several homes during his lifetime, including his current residence, many of which he built with his own hands.
A man of many interests, Jerry was also a farmer at heart. He farmed land in the Columbia City area during the 1970s and 1980s, built his own barn, and later began building a new home on his farm in DeKalb County. After suffering a stroke during construction, Jerry turned finishing the home into his rehabilitation—completing it himself and enjoying many more years there, surrounded by the land he loved. From his porch, he took great joy in watching crops grow and wildlife roam.
Jerry was a member of Waterloo United Methodist Church, now Waterloo First Grace Church, and was actively involved in the Waterloo Lions Club, as well as the Bippus Lions Club. He enjoyed bowling in a league at General Products and was an avid fan of Purdue and IU basketball fan.
Jerry had a lifelong love of automobiles. He restored and customized several vehicles, including a 1934 Chevy Coupe and a 1946 Ford pickup he built for his daughter to drive in high school. He famously drove a 1960 Corvette on his wedding day and later owned an El Camino that carried the family on memorable trips, including one to Florida. He was among the first in the Fort Wayne area to customize cars.
In 1960, Jerry met the love of his life, Deanna Allison, through a mutual friend while she was attending college in Fort Wayne. They were married on April 20, 1963, and shared 63 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a life filled with work, creativity, family, and faith.
Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Deanna Robinson; his daughter, Allison Schlough (Fiancé Justin Smith) of Monroe, Wisconsin; his niece, Barbara (Tom) Condon of Cutter Bay, Florida; his niece Carolyn (John) Vogel of Clearwater Florida; his niece, Kathy (Mark) Nuttle of Wasilla, Alaska; his niece, Vickie Mickelini of Huntertown, Indiana; his nephew, Richard Ray (Cheryl) of Orland Indiana and many extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lucinda Robinson; his sister, Margaret Sauers (Robert); his brother, Leroy (Edna) Robinson; his son-in law, Jimmy Schlough; his nephew James Robinson; his nephew Thomas Robinson and grand-nephew, Edward Robinson.
Jerry lived a long, full life—building, designing, farming, learning, and loving deeply. His legacy lives on in the homes he built, the machines he designed, the land he cared for, and the family he cherished.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Feller and Clark Funeral Home 875 South Wayne Street in Waterloo.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the funeral home in Waterloo.
Burial will take place at the Lehman Cemetery in Payne, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to Waterloo First Grace Church, 300 West Maple Street, Waterloo, Indiana 46793 or to the DeKalb Humane Society, PO Box 806, Auburn, Indiana 46706.
Condolences may be sent to the family at fellerandclark.com and on our Facebook page at Feller and Clark Funeral Home.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Feller and Clark Funeral Home in Waterloo.
