Eben “Robby” J. Robertson of Monroe, Wisconsin passed away at age 86 on Tuesday, August 12. Robby was born in Argyle, Wisconsin on September 27, 1938 to Ralph and Alma (Hagen) Robertson.
His family moved to Monroe, and at age 17 he left Monroe High School to join the U.S. Navy. He served as a boilerman on the USS Amphion during the Cold War and was an honored participant in the May 18, 2013 Badger Honor Flight. After completing his GED and service, he returned to Monroe and found employment at Marty Ripp Chevrolet. Through diligence and a high mechanical aptitude, he became a trusted and skilled Chevrolet Master Technician, truly Mr. Goodwrench. He excelled at GM and Chevrolet certification exams and was awarded with 14 pewter master craftsman statues. Robby spent 44 years working at the Monroe Chevy dealership and in the end added Toyotas to his skill set. He spent free time restoring two-cylinder John Deere tractors and vintage Chevrolet cars. In retirement, he was a dealer trade driver for Ruda Chevrolet and Toyota.
He found his life partner in Grace E. Ladwig, marrying on her birthday December 16, 1967. Together they created a lifetime of service to many organizations including the Monroe United Methodist Church, Sons of Norway, Yesteryear Auto Club (past president), Green County Food Pantry, and VFW. Robby was always there to help family and friends whether it was to fix a failing vehicle, work on a 4-H project, baby sit a great nephew, remodel a house, or even act as hunting buddy. He also rarely missed a NASCAR race or Packer game, celebrated his 81st birthday on a Danube River cruise, researched genealogy and enjoyed helping to make lefse.
Surviving Eben are his wife Grace Robertson; sister, Karen (William) Bohn; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Grenzow and Joyce Hughes; nephews and nieces: Steven (Ken Ehrke) Grenzow, Elaine (Thomas Betthauser) Grenzow, Faith (Richard Young) Grenzow, Chip (Tammy) Hughes, Holly (James) Duthie, Jerry (Lori) Larson, Dennis Larson, Cynthia (Tom) Forster, David Robertson, Sheri (Russel) Werren. Robby is further survived by his special great nephew, Alexander (Sophie Michels) Betthauser, and other cherished great nieces and nephews.
Preceding Eben in death were his parents, Ralph and Lugene Robertson and Alma and Dean Hawkins; his brothers, Kenneth Robertson and Martin Robertson; brothers-in-law, Wendel Grenzow and Willard Hughes.
A celebration of Eben’s life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Monroe United Methodist Church with Rev. Zach Bloom and Rev. Kenneth Ehrke officiating. Inurnment with military rites will be in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Juda, followed by a luncheon at the church. Visitation will precede the service at the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. Memorials in Eben’s name are suggested to Monroe United Methodist Church or the charity of one’s choice. The NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
