Genevieve A. Robbins

Genevieve Ann (Shelstad) Robbins, 92, passed away on July 28, 2025, in Goodhue, MN. Born on September 6, 1932, in Goodhue, Genevieve was beloved by everyone who knew her. Her family and friends called her "Punky," and she touched the lives of so many people throughout her life.

Punky graduated from Goodhue High School in 1949 and was valedictorian of her class. She was immensely proud of this accomplishment. After working as a bookkeeper, Punky met and married John Robbins in 1953.

Punky was a stay-at-home mom and raised six children while her husband John traveled the world serving in the Army and then in the Air Force. Punky often traveled and lived with him, while raising her family. They moved to Camp Rucker Army Base, AL, Fort Benning Army Base, GA, Fort Bragg Army Base, NC, Ramstein Air Force Base in Landsthul, Germany, Oxnard Air Force Base, CA, then to Fresno, CA once John retired from the military. John and Punky moved back to Goodhue in 1969 and remained there until John's passing in 1987.

Punky eventually moved to Rochester, MN and purchased a home, built a new life, and made new friends in her community. She loved to go out dancing with her friends, enjoyed playing bingo and she enjoyed playing the penny and nickel slots at casinos. She especially enjoyed dancing and going to events with her loving companion and friend Duane Wallin of Owatonna, MN during the last decade of her life.

Those who knew Punky will remember her for her quiet demeanor and laughter. With Punky, sometimes it was just a funny giggle and then you would laugh too. She will be missed by everyone who knows her.

Punky is survived by her sons Lee (Susie), Dan (Colleen), Steve (Scott Syverson), Gary (Rachel) and daughter Sharon Huppert (Richard); and numerous grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents Estella and Joyce Shelstad, husband John Robbins Sr., son John Robbins Jr. as well as her daughter Anita.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 4pm-7pm at Holy Trinity Church in Goodhue. Mass will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 11am, with visitation from 10-11am, at Holy Trinity Church in Goodhue followed by a luncheon. Burial at Fort Snelling Cemetery will be held at a future date in Spring 2026.