Dessie Robinson

October 7, 1923 - December 18, 2009

Dessie Robinson nee Zakula, age 86, of Indianapolis, IN, formerly of Hobart, IN, passed away on Friday, December 18, 2009. She is survived by her son, Tom Barbara Robinson; daughters, Peggy Mark Hinckley and Denise Terry Butler; 7 grandchildren, Michael Robinson Leslie Longfield, Tricia Robinson Suri Srinivas, Katy Dave Dowling, Brian Lori Butler, Daniel Jen Butler, Joseph Chrissy Butler, and Casey Chris Moeller; 6 great-grandchildren, Ellie and Max Butler, Kate Butler, Madilyn Shulatz, Kiran Suri, and Jack Butler; twin brother, Deslove Zakula; sisters-in-law, Connie Zakula, Lorraine Zakula, and Mary Zakula; several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, John C. Robinson; sisters, Mae, Mary and Donna; brothers, George, Peter, Mel, Thomas, and Raymond, and infant son, Ricky Lynn. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Geisen Funeral Home, 7905 Broadway, Merrillville, IN with Rev. Archimondritz Lev officiating. Interment at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Schererville, IN. Friends may visit with the family at Geisen Funeral Home, Merrillville, IN on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 from 2:00 to 8:00 PM. Dessie was born in Duluth, MN on October 7, 1923 to George and Dorothy Zakula. Dessie served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After living in Northwest Indiana for most of her life, she retired to Florida for several years before moving to Indianapolis, IN. She was a long time employee of Wiseway Food Stores and a member of The Retail Clerks Union. Dessie was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and St. Stephen Orthodox Church in Indianapolis, IN. Her pride and joy in life were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be given to the Hobart Educational Foundation or Warren Arts and Educational Foundation or a charity of your choice. To share a memory or send a condolence, please visit the guest book section on the obituary page at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com. For more information call 219-769-3322.

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Although we haven't seen Dessie since the days of hallowed halls at Denfeld, we still recall her smiling face and glow upon seeing her each day. Our prayers are with her and the family, and especially old friend Deslove.

Dr. Hinckley -- I can hardly find the words to express how sorry I am about the loss of your mother. You have so much been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. May God bless you with strength and wonderful memories of her. Most sincerely, Patty Gainey

Peg and family, Your mother's wonderful laugh, her smile, and making others feel important in her presence is what comes to mind when I think of your mother. All of these were ever present at Katie's wedding when we spoke. She was a special person! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Fondly, Deb and Guy Brumley

Peggy: Sounds like your mother had a wonderful and full life and I hope that the many happy memories you've accumulated will keep her spirit alive for years to come.

My deepest sympathy. May her memory be eternal. Sincerely, Nancy Mucha

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Dr. Hinckley- You are in my thoughts and prayers. Stephen Gainey

We're very sorry to hear about Dessie's passing. Please let us know however we can be of any help. from Greg Rogers and Kim Campbell. Greg

Peggy, my sympathy to you in this difficult time.

Peggy and family - Please accept my deepest sympathies at the loss of your mother. I know these past few years have been a challenge. Please take heart that she is now pain free and with God looking over you all.

Tom, Peg, Denise and families, We send our prayers to all. Donna Robinson Simmons Samantha Simmons Smith Mario Smith Jakob Simmons Jaklyn Simmons Kaydince Smith

Dear Family, I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Dessie. I have so many wonderful memories of her and how she and my mom would act together. She was such an independent lady. It seemed like they were the twins instead of she and Uncle Des. It was always a pleasure to hear her voice after my mom died. I can only tell you that there is not a single day that passes that I don't think of my parents. We are so lucky to have had such a loving family. She was always so proud of all of you.

Peggy and family, Wow, reading here about the experiences others have about your dear Mother's life shows how each was blessed by her. She, too, was blessed by all of your efforts. She now is blessed by spending eternity with our Savior. How wonderful His promise to all of us is.

We are really sorry to hear the passing of Aunt Dessie. We have so many fond memories of her. She was a real inspiration to all of us. We loved to just listen to her and my grandma Mae talk about the family stories. We will miss her dearly. Love, Shelly, Steven and Lucas

There are so many wonderful memories that we have of our time with Aunt Dessie over the years. For years she always brought her homemade streudel when she visited my grandma her sister Mae at the Barbee Hotel. Several years ago Aunt Dessie joined us for the Wawasee Fireworks. She was such a trooper and put up with all of the rowdiness happening around her, and she might have even participated just a little bit. A few years ago Aunt Dessie accompanied me on a drive to visit her sister Mae in the nursing home in Goshen. It was an emotional trip for all of us. I will never forget the moment we walked in to the nursing home lunchroom and surprised my grandma. She was so happy to see her beloved sister. Now they are reunited in eternal peace. We love you Aunt Dessie! Georgette and Jeff Gustin

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.