James V. Robben, 86, of Oakley, died Saturday, April 25, 2020, at the Logan County Hospital. He was born December 26, 1933, in Angelus, KS, to Francis and Mary Robben. James attended Angelus Grade School, Westmont Seminary, in Chicago, IL and then St. Joseph’s Military Academy, in Hays, KS. On August 16, 1955, Jim married Luella Truetken, in Park, KS. Jim and his brother Francis started Robben Garage. Within a few years, they formed a partnership to open Oakley Motors. The dealership grew under Jim’s leadership. He received many awards for being a Chrysler 5 Star Dealer. Over time, implements, such as New Holland and Allis Chalmers, were added to the business. Jim was also involved in his community. He served as president of the Oakley Chamber of Commerce, president of the Oakley Jaycees, as well as the state vice-president of the Kansas Jaycees and was a long-time volunteer for the Logan County Fair barbeque. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and was involved in the formation of St. Joseph’s Catholic School. Jim loved fishing, hunting, traveling, dancing and watching NASCAR and Stock Car racing. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and getting to eat Luella’s cooking.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Francis Robben, Theodore Robben, Rose Mary Beckman, Jerome Robben and Annette Moorhous and grandson, Justin Robben.
He is survived by his wife, Luella; children, Jim and Francine (Huelsman) Robben, Jan and Vern Kinderknecht, Jerry and Maxine (Huelsman) Robben, Carla and Rob Schiltz and Stan and Celia (Jahnke) Robben; grandchildren, Kelsey and Jake Martin, Kimberly and Matt Fine, Amy Kinderknecht and Zach Kadolph, Kay and Jonathon Launspach, Sara and Mitch Kochman, Bridget and Kyle Pearcy, Andrew Robben, Isaac Schiltz and Lexi Hunter and Mason Schiltz; great grandchildren, Jadyn, Jordyn and Jenna Martin, Asher and Ella Fine, Kaia Launspach and Allie Pearcy and siblings, Angeline Baalman and Evelyn Mannebach.
Due to the current situation in the world, Jim’s services are not open to the public. A private Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. A memorial service will be planned for a later date. Memorials are suggested to the church or St. Joseph School and can be sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 204, Oakley, KS 67748. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com