Joseph Robben
September 01, 1942 - May 31, 2017
- Share:
Joseph Robben
September 01, 1942 - May 31, 2017
Obituary
JOSEPH WILLIAM ROBBEN, JR., 74, Colonel, United States Marine Corps (Ret), peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of May 31, 2017 at his home in San Clemente, CA, with his wife, Linda, at his side.
Born September 1, 1942, this native of Hoxie, Kansas, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in June 1964 and retired from active duty in June 1994. During a 30-year career, he commanded from 35 to 3,100 Marines as a platoon, battery, squadron and group Commanding Officer. His final three-year assignment was as the Chief of Staff, Marine Air Bases Western Area and Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.
His first combat service was as Commanding Officer of Battery “B”, lst Light Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion near Danang, Republic of Vietnam in 1967-1968. His second tour of combat service was twenty-three years later in Desert Shield/Storm. As Officer in Charge and Principal Planner for Marine Aviation Operations at U.S. Air Forces Central Command in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he was a member of a team that developed the offensive air battle into Kuwait and Iraq the night of January 16, 1991.
Colonel Robben’s awards include three Legions of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V”, Combat Action Ribbon, various unit, combat service and humanitarian awards. He holds degrees from Creighton University and the University of Southern California. He is a graduate of the National War College and the Defense Systems Management College.
On July 1, 1994, Joe became Manager, Communications Division, County of Orange responsible for public safety radio communications for the County and 31 cities. He retired in July 2004 as Division Director.
Beginning in 2006 Joe served in numerous roles in support of the Sisters of St. Joseph and Mission Hospital, his last being on the Board of Trustees since 2012.
Joe is survived by his wife Linda of 50 years, daughter Christina Braggiotti and husband John; brothers and sisters: Bert, Laura, Annet, John, and Marsy, their spouses, five nieces and five nephews.
Military Committal Services and burial will take place on Wed., June 14, at Miramar National Cemetery, San Diego.
In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation in Joe’s name to Mission Hospital Foundation, 27700 Medical Center Road, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, Tel. (949) 364-7783.
40 responses to Joseph Robben
Denis Walsh says:
December 17, 2017
So many good memories from college .
A franternity brother also roomrd at mortuary. God bless you Linda.
LtCol Joe Waldron USMC(ret) says:
August 1, 2018
What a great Marine. I was privileged to serve with him during Desert Storm in Riyadh. It was a brief experience buy exceptionally rewarding. Rest in peace, Colonel, and my deepest condolences to the Robben family.
Mike Wilman says:
May 11, 2020
Mrs. Robben and family I served under the Col in Beaufort in 1981 until you left. The Col recommended me for accelerated SSGT that I did receive based on his recommendation. I was a Veitnam Era Vet retread and the Col was the best officer I ever served with. He and I joked about our “challenges with the pull up bar. He was a fine man and gentleman along with being a Marine’s Marine. God bless you and your family and I look forward to seeing the Col when I get to the other side.
Sincerely,
Mike Wilman
Grete Robben says:
May 12, 2020
I was searching on web my fathers name
He passes away 42 years ago 50 years old
I was surprises to find someone with THE same name… passend away on my birthday?
What A coincidence?
I hope you Will find peace in misging your lovely husbani wish you luck and hapiness
Grete Robben Belgium
Douglas Pechman says:
February 4, 2023
I met Joe in orientation week at Creighton University in the Fall of 1960. We palled around Creighton that week which was the beginning of our freshman year. I don’t remember seeing him after that as I was in the school of Business Administration. I seem to always remember that he was from Hoxie, KS. Presently, I live in Wichita, KS. I was thinking about him while I was on the computer and knowing that he retired as a Col. in the USMC in California, I looked him up and found his obit. It made me sad that he had passed away