Harold Robben's Obituary
Harold Lee Robben, 75, of SeaTac, Washington, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family, on December 27, 2024, following a full and meaningful life. Harold was born on December 1, 1949, in Great Bend, Kansas to Paul and Lillian Robben. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 34 years, Terri Ellen Robben, and his father, Paul Robben.
A proud veteran, Harold served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as a Boiler Technician and continued his service in the reserves as a Seabee. Following active duty, Harold transitioned to the Navy Reserves, where he faithfully served until his retirement in 2005. In addition to his military service, Harold worked as a journeyman electrician, a profession that allowed him to share his expertise and skill with the community, and his son, Colt, who followed in his footsteps working alongside him for many years before continuing his own career as a journeyman electrician.
In 1981, Harold met and married the love of his life, Terri Ellen Jorski. Together, they built a life filled with love and adventure. Harold embraced Terri’s two children, Jon and Lee, as his own, and their union grew with the addition of two children of their own: Jeremie “Colt” Robben in 1982 and Senecca Rene Robben in 1984. In the 1990s, Harold, Terri, Colt and Senecca relocated to Washington State, settling in Burien, where they began a new chapter, made many lifelong friendships, became active members in the Burien Elks Lodge and joined a Chevy Nova club.
Harold was a man of simple pleasures. He had a lifelong love of classic Chevrolet cars, especially his beloved 1964 Nova SS and Corvettes, and could often be found listening to country music or watching old westerns on television—with the volume all the way up, of course. Harold and Terri had a special fondness for vacationing in Mazatlán, Mexico, and dining at their favorite local Mexican restaurant every Friday night, a tradition that brought joy to their lives. Harold loved to have a good time and loved having people around. He and Terri were known to have an open door policy, welcoming anyone and everyone who needed a meal, a place to stay, or anything in between. They lovingly referred to their guests as their bonus kids. Everyone was treated as family in the Robben household.
Following Terri’s death in 2015, Harold found love again with Laura Hachtel Marrone. He and Laura shared six years together and remained close friends at the time of his passing.
Above all, Harold was a dedicated family man. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, and his love for them knew no bounds. Although he and Terri made a new home in Washington state, they enjoyed going back to Oklahoma as frequently as they could to visit.
Harold is survived by his mother, Lillian Robben; his brothers, Howard (Brenda) Robben and Keith (Vickie) Robben; his children Colt (Victoria) Robben, Senecca Robben, Jon (Trina) VanBuren and Lee (Keith) Longman; his 9 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
It was Harold’s request to be cremated and have his ashes spread with Terri’s, in the ocean in Mexico. The family will be making these arrangements in the coming year.
A celebration of Harold’s life will be held at the Burien Elk’s Lodge on February 23 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shriners Children’s in Harold’s memory.
Harold will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
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