Joanne Rae (Curler) Robbins

Joanne Rae (Curler) Robbins, 92, peacefully passed on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Bishop Drumm Care Center in Johnston.

Joanne was born on January 7, 1931, and was raised in Des Moines’ Beaverdale neighborhood. Joanne was raised in a small but close family, being an only child. Joanne enjoyed traveling to California to visit family and to South Dakota to visit the homestead of her mother and her grandparents.

Joanne began working at Wonder Bread in Des Moines where she met Wayne Robbins, her husband of 62 years. Wayne grew up in a large family of six children and Joanne was welcomed into the family where she gained 2 sisters and 3 brothers. She was always thankful for the love she received from the Robbins family. After waiting several years, Joanne had her first child, Jeri and a few years later Linda arrived. Joanne loved her children and made sure she attended every music event or sports event they participated in at school. When grandchildren arrived, that same love and attention transferred to them. Again, attending every music or sports event.

Joanne and Wayne eventually purchased her father’s advertising business, Advertising Features, which they ran and worked together at for 30+ years.

Joanne was a voracious reader and loved her books. At one time, Joanne had a library in her basement where she cataloged her books and checked them out to friends and family.

No matter how you knew Joanne, daughter, cousin, niece, “Wayne’s Wife”, mom, sister-in-law, grandma or friend, she will forever be in our hearts.

Joanne is survived by Jeri (David) Pilmer, Linda (Jeff) Coop and grandchildren Chelsea (Alex) Arthur, Sarah Coop, April and John Pilmer, great-grandchildren Elliot and Lydia Arthur, brother-in-law Howard Robbins and many nieces and nephews. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Elizabeth Curler, her husband Wayne Robbins, and cousin Robert Berry.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 12th, 2023 at 11:00 am at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Avenue, Des Moines.

The family would like to thank the staff at Bishop Drumm Care Center for their care of her. A very special thank you also to the staff members and team that served mom from Suncrest Hospice. Their care was above and beyond. Memorial service details will be forthcoming.