Barbara Jean Robbins

Barbara Jean Robbins (née Dulong), 76, of Wakefield, MI, and formerly of Lake Linden, passed away on June 20, 2025 with her loving family by her side at Aspirus Wausau Hospital due to complications following a sudden heart attack.

Barb was born October 9, 1948, a daughter of Reuben (Red) and Valerie (Val) Dulong in Laurium, MI. She graduated from Lake Linden-Hubbell High School with the class of 1966. 

In 1968, Barb and former husband Kim Robbins, Sr. welcomed their daughter, Robin, into this world. In 1973, they welcomed their son, Kim. Her children and grandchildren would continue to be her pride and joy for the remainder of her life. Nothing made her happier than visiting with family. She didn’t care what the mode of communication was as long as she got to connect with her loved ones. Whether it was face-to-face, talking on the phone, text, FaceTime, or messenger, she was always available to talk through the world’s problems or just talk about the weather. You could always count on hearing, “Oh, hi honey!” when you called her, or hearing her sing “You must have been a beautiful baby, oh you must have been a beautiful child…” on your birthday. Family was always first in her heart.

Barb worked as a registered nurse in numerous settings. Earning her degree as an RN from Michigan Technological University, she worked at Calumet Public Hospital, Dr. Zobro’s office, Dr. Janners’ office, Keweenaw Home Services, the Houghton County Health Department, the Gogebic County Health Department and finally as a nurse at the Marenisco Prison until her retirement.

In 1981, Barb found love and partnership in the man who would stand by her side for the rest of her life, Karl Wanink. They enjoyed traveling together to places like Florida and Mexico and to Moose Lake, Minnesota, with the grandkids for Agate Days each year. Barb loved swimming, and is indeed the reason her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren make sure they bring a swimming suit and towel in the car in case of an impromptu swim. This is a tradition that will likely be passed down for generations. Barb loved “taking a dip” anywhere and everywhere, but especially Lake Superior. She made sure to get out into the big lake each summer for a swim. 

She made huge impacts on the lives she touched, as she was a true nurturer to her core. Nothing made her happier than caring for people, as evidenced by her work as an RN and the love for her family. She was monumentally important in the raising of her grandchildren, who fondly remember staying with her and Grandpa Karl at their home in Wakefield. They gave their grandchildren so many opportunities to see the world and helped to shape a lot of their lives beyond childhood. Even her grandchildren’s friends lovingly called her “Gramma Barb” because she made herself everyone’s grandma. Her creative spirit was inspiring and admired. Barb was a skilled woodworker. She made many things like tables and mirrors for her home. She loved making the grandchildren clothes and Halloween costumes on her sewing machine. If they had a costume idea, she made it happen. The kids proudly wore their costumes to school for the Halloween class parades and were often mad about having to put winter coats over them to go trick-or-treating. 

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, sister Patricia Dulong, and nephew Glenn Shawn Klobuchar. She is survived by her partner of nearly 45 years, Karl Wanink of Wakefield, MI, daughter Robin (Jack) Dueweke of Ripley, son Kim (Kimberly) Robbins, Jr. of Laurium; grandchildren Sienna (Josh) Jaehnig, Mariah (Alex) Cain, Jordan (Bailey) Hahka, Tyler Robbins, Eva Robbins, Justin (Lindsay Clouthier) Dueweke, Travis (Alina) Dueweke, Gatlin and Josh Pointer, Audrey Thaxton, and Jordan Hicks; great-grandchildren, Donovan, Hudson, Lana, Waylon, Esme, Wren, Bhodi, Rudy, Owen, Oliver, Weston, Reid, and Evret.

She is also survived by her brother, Kenny (Janet) Dulong, and sisters Carol (Gordy) Wetelainen, Gloria LaBonte, Elaine (John Laitinen) Dulong; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and special friends Shari, Brenda, and Janet. 

Visitation will be at Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden from 7-9 PM on Friday June, 27th. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Linden with Fr. Raju to officiate. A luncheon will be served followed by a funeral procession to Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Lake Linden.

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