Russel W. Robinson, 94, died Saturday, June 18, 2011.

He was born Nov. 30, 1916, in Minneapolis. He graduated from Washburn High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Minnesota. Russ served in the Army during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star. He married Marian Robinson (nee Baudler) in Austin on June 26, 1948. Russ and Marian lived in Paris, France and Heidelberg, Germany for the first seven years of their marriage. While living in Heidelberg, Russ worked as the editor of the Army medical bulletin.

Russ was the Secretary of the Austin Credit Bureau. He was a member of the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce and the Mower County DFL.

Russ was a lifelong political activist and served as chair for the Mower County DFL. He was one of the founders of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Austin. Most recently, he served as treasurer for the Mower County Veterans Memorial committee. Russ enjoyed art, literature and music, particularly opera. During their 50 years of marriage, Russ and Marian traveled all over the globe.

He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Robert Seestadt of Minneapolis; son and daughter-in-law, Ward and Lisa Robinson of Austin, five grandchildren, Helen Seestadt (Greg Pitcher), Jean Seestadt, Ann Seestadt, Vanessa Robinson, Zachary Robinson; four great-grandchildren and brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Bev Phillips of Edina, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian Robinson; father, Ralph Robinson; mother, Molly Robinson Phillips; stepfather, Ray Phillips and sister, Donna Schiebe.

Memorial Services will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21, at Mayer Funeral Home with Rev. Pam Amdahl officiating. Military rites will by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Friends may call a half-hour before the service at Mayer Funeral Home on Tuesday. The family prefers memorials to The Planetary Society or KSMQ Public Television.