Dr. Debra D. Robole, age 69, of Menomonie, Wisconsin, died peacefully Friday, May 17, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN, surrounded by her spouse and her three children .
Debra was born December 31, 1954, in Elmwood, WI. She was the daughter of Evelyn and Oscar Robole. Debbie was the youngest of their fourteen children. Robert (Marlys) Robole reside in Inver Grove, MN, Audrey Gosse in Plainview, MN, and Roger (LaVonne) in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Shirley Volk lives in Hudson, WI, Beverly Maves in Elmwood, WI, and Ralph (June) Robole in Sarona, WI. Randy (Nancy) Robole live in Elmwood, WI, Dorothy (Greg) Lacefield in Sun City, AZ, and Margery (Ron) Ginsbach in Elmwood, WI. Sherry (Ken) Iverson reside in Menomonie, WI, Richard (Pam) Robole in Sun City, AZ, and Ramon (Donna) Robole in River Falls, WI.
Deb grew up in Elmwood and graduated from Elmwood High School in 1973. She then attended the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire where she was the first in her family to complete a Bachelor of Science (Education). She went on to graduate school at the University of Wisconsin Stout for an M.S. in Human Development. She spent much of her career working in higher education, first at Austin Community College in workforce and career programs and later as the Director of Campus Support Services. She completed her PhD in Educational Administration Leadership in 2003 before becoming the Vice President of Administration at AIB College of Business in Des Moines, Iowa. She retired from the City of Spokane after serving ten years as a Senior Research and Policy Analyst for the Spokane City Council.
Deb loved her family including her husband, children, siblings and many nieces and nephews. She took part in their lives as a much-loved mother, wife, sister, and aunt. She had many loving friends she kept in touch with over the decades who meant a lot to her as well. She was known for being caring and generous. She maintained a “Free Little Library” on 15th street in Menomonie in front of her beloved “Lilacs and Lillies Cottage.” She enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading and flowers. In later years, Dr. Deb could often be found researching at her computer at all hours of the day or night. One favorite topic was genealogy. She put together a comprehensive family tree and printed a family book called the “Robole Legacy.” This tribute to her mother and dad was gifted to each of her siblings along with a DVD of treasured family photographs.
Preceding Debra in death are her parents Evelyn and Oscar Robole, a sister Connie and brothers-in-law Alfred Kurschinski and Art Gosse, her nephews Jason Lundell, Todd Robole, Brett Robole, Dan Gosse and niece Lynn Marie Robole. Debra is survived by her husband, Clyde F. Bingham III, three children, Tyree Iversen, Terren Iversen and Gerrett (Jackie) Iversen, six grandpups, stepson, Charles Bingham and his partner Cynthia Rodriguez, and grandsons Deaken and Dawson Bingham.
Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie is serving the family. No formal services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers and to honor Deb’s passion for education and books, the family asks donations be made in her memory to the educational institution or public library of your choice.
