Kenneth Francis “Fritz” Robinson, 74, passed away on May 22, 2026 at his home. Born September 17, 1951 to Richard C. & Helen M. (VonBosselmann) Robinson, he was nicknamed “Fritz” by his Irish grandmother on that day. He attended Hallsville grade school and graduated from Clinton High School in 1969. He attended Eastern Illinois University falling short of a degree because of an illness of his father. Fritz married J. Christine Schmid on April 8, 1978 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Wapella, she survives as well as their two sons: Brandon(Becky) of Clinton, IL and Brian(Kristen) of Kenney, IL. Fritz was grandpa to two grandsons, Grant Robinson and George Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral service will be held 10:00 am Saturday, June 13, 2026 at First Christian Church, Clinton, IL with Scott Marsh officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney, IL. No visitation is planned. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Kenney Fire Protection District or Kenney Fire Department.
Fritz loved his family and they all worked closely together on the farm. As a family they traveled, taking the dog too, sometimes camping with friends. He was especially proud of their sons, supporting their activities, hobbies, education and careers. And then those two grandsons came along, what a joy for him to have them here on the farm and spending time with them.
As a lifetime farmer, Fritz cared deeply about the land and the relationships that it produced. Friends and landowners became like family. He took pride in being able to repair and maintain his own equipment and vehicles, traits that are continued today on the family farm.
Fritz served Kenney and the surrounding communities in numerous ways over his lifetime. Those include: Barnett and Tunbridge Township Boards, Clinton FFA Alumni Lifetime member, YMCA youth soccer and basketball coach, DeWitt County Soil and Water Conservation District Board, DeWitt County 9-1-1 Board.
Fritz was a member of Kenney Fire and Rescue for 44 years. He embraced the brotherhood and family that extends beyond District Boundaries and County Lines. He would gladly share stories and promote the fire service anytime and anywhere. Helping others was a way of life for him. He served many roles at Kenney including firefighter, secretary/treasurer, and Chief, serving on the DeWitt County Fire Chief’s Association. He was a trustee for the Kenney Fire Protection District Board up until his death.
After Fritz’s cancer diagnosis, he stated it opened up a surprising new form of blessings from God. The opportunity to create conversations and build relationships with others at treatments, hospital stays, and doctor appointments. He was on a first name basis with most of his interactions. He said that the Lord is present and he would talk with anyone about his journey.
His family would like to thank the hospice team who helped Fritz die, but even more so, thank those who helped him live and live abundantly! The villages of Hallsville, Midland City, Kenney and Clinton that raised him. Those Hallsville and Clinton school mates who became lifetime friends. Herman Huffman who mentored him, teaching Fritz a lifelong skill of mechanics, the dynamics and love of racing, sharing in the preference of Ford vehicles. His cousins and family who were special and close to him as a child, throughout his life and still today. The Schmid family and their relatives who accepted and welcomed this “only child/spoiled brat” into their brood when he married Chrissy. The landowners, our friends and neighbors, who trusted him and our sons with their land, one man for over 50 years and another family almost 75 years. The Cromwell siblings who were born and raised on Windy Ridge Farm, that offered us this new place to raise our boys after their parents had passed. The Lord has truly blessed us here for over 30 years. Fritz’s LG Seeds manager Malcolm Head of 30 some years, who faithfully directed and delivered the right seed for our farming operation, becoming a close and valued friend as well as the other associates and representatives of the LG company with whom we traveled and vacationed, creating a whole new circle of friends. The friends and neighbors who purchased our wares such as seed, oil and grease, hay, sweet corn, pumpkins and blackberries; supplementing our income or generating funds for a charity. Those who pulled into our fields when Fritz was failing and the weather was trying. And others when the beans were ready and the winter was coming too soon, thank you to Jimmy, Tom, John & Conor, Stacy & Lindy, Mike, Bill, Roy & Ron, Bob and forgive us if we missed someone. The elevator managers wo stayed open late to get that last load in to finish the field and the elevator workers who diligently gave special care to Chrissy while dumping trucks. Local businesses that have sold us equipment, goods and services that kept us able to accomplish our work and lifestyle. Those who came to our rescue back in 2005 after the winds caused damage to our home and took down trees-bringing heavy equipment, manpower and food. To those who came to our aid when cancer was diagnosed, bringing food, money and support. Our neighbors and friends who took Fritz to cancer treatments daily while Chrissy had hip surgery. And those who looked after our home and cared for our dog while Fritz was in Chicago for his cancer surgery. Those who worshipped and fellowshipped with us, ultimately helping us come to this time with peace, knowing that, through Jesus Christ, death is not the end. Thank you to so many that called, brought food, messaged, sent cards, provided labor and equipment, and genuinely guided us through this process.
Thank you to so many valued friends and neighbors who made Fritz and his family’s life good, abundant and blessed every day!
Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com
