James Allan Robben

James Allan Robben was called by his Lord and Savior to stand guard at St. Peter’s Gate on September 09, 2025. Jim’s graveside memorial service with full military honors will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, at Oak Valley Cemetery in Hewitt, Minnesota.

Born as James Allan Robben in Bertha, Minnesota, on June 12, 1943, to Elaine C. Gossell and Peter W. Robben. He lived life to the fullest extent possible, always looking forward to the next challenging experience in his life. He loved playing baseball and was a great shortstop and loved trains growing up. He graduated High School from Parkers Prairie, Minnesota, in 1961. After graduating, he joined the US Army as a Combat Engineer and was stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany where he met his future wife Maria Herlinda “Linda” (Cortes) Ramirez. Later, in 1971, they finally married. They would be married for 45 years. James and Maria had one child together, Arnold James Robben in 1963. When James met Linda, she had three children. After James and Linda were married, he adopted her daughter, Arlene; and her two sons, Carlos and Ronald. In September 2016, his wife of 45 years passed away in Leavenworth, Kansas. In 2025, he then moved to Minnesota to be closer to his family (sisters and brothers).

After 4 years in the Army, he was discharged, and a couple months later rejoined the Army as a Medic. He was stationed at various military bases including Germany, Kentucky, Texas, Illinois, California, Washington, Kansas and two combat tours in Vietnam (1967) and Korean DMZ (1968-69). In Vietnam, he was stationed with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Alpha Troop 1st Squadron. James was wounded in combat, receiving the Purple Heart and his 1st Combat Medic Badge. While in Korea, he received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and 2nd Combat Medic Badge. During his 30 years in the Army, he received a lot of military awards and medals including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Sgt Morals Award. The Sgt Morals award he received while stationed in Kitzingen, Germany with the 1st of the 64th Armored Unit. This award is only given to 5 - 10 Sergeants each year. It takes many months to get through all the boards and a lot of studying, which his son Arnold helped him with every day after school. After James finished the last board, he didn’t say anything until his son got home from school before saying anything to the family. After his time in the Army, he became an instructor at Leavenworth High School as a JROTC instructor and helped mentor hundreds of young students for 18 years.

James is survived by his sons, Arnold James Robben, Minnesota, Ronald Robben, Kansas; daughter, Arlene Ramirez, Texas; his siblings, Denise (Larry) Larson, Minnesota, Rena (Michael) Soverns, California, Wayne (Carla) Larson, Minnesota, Lauryl (Don) Josund, North Dakota, Kedrick Larson, Minnesota, Monte Larson, Minnesota, Collette (Jeffrey) Stevens, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Peter W. Robben; parents, Robert and Elaine Larson; his beloved wife, Linda Robben; children, David and Carlos; brother, Robert Larson Jr.; and grandfather, Carl Gossell.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to HIA, Gentiva Hospice, and Perham Living Center Nursing Staff for the wonderful care James received.

Memorials are preferred to the Human Society of your choice.