Alve Lowell Robinson

Lowell Robinson, 86, passed away from heart failure on May 13, 2026 at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.

Lowell was born July 30, 1939 in Cresco, Iowa to Alve and Alveda Robinson. He grew up on the family farm in Chickasaw County, attended country school, and then graduated in 1957 from New Hampton High School. After graduation, he took a job at Rath Packing Company in Waterloo, Iowa and there he met his life’s partner, Mary Eldridge. They were married May 24, 1959.

The couple first set up their home in Waterloo and while living there, celebrated the births of their two daughters. In 1967 they relocated to Grinnell, Iowa when Lowell started working at Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. In 2005 they moved to the Des Moines area to be closer to family.

Lowell loved being a farm-kid and that life contributed to his strong work ethic. He had a long career in computer programming, first at GMRC and then later at Marsh McLennan for the Y2K conversion. During his time, he attended several conferences with DPMA. Mary joined him on those trips and together they traveled all across the US.

In his retirement, Lowell worked in Guest Services at Drake University. His last event was a football game in 2025 and the Bulldogs WON! A special thank you is extended to Marv Allen and the entire team at Drake for a wonderful 20 years! Somehow, he also found time to work at the Merle Hay Kohl’s store for 19 years.

Lowell was a sports enthusiast, as an athlete, coach and spectator! He followed many teams and many sports and enjoyed a lifetime of collecting sports memorabilia. He was also an excellent card player. But his favorite game by-far, was the one that his children or grandchildren were playing. He never missed an event and kept detailed documentation of all of their stats. While in Grinnell, he was part of the high school “chain-gang” for many years and was beyond thrilled when his grandsons both played football for the Tigers!

Lowell will be missed by his loving family; daughters, Laura Routier and Linda (Jack) Sullivan; grandchildren, Brad Routier, Jeff Routier and Krystina Schouten, Barbie (Nick) Wiens, and Susie Sullivan; sister-in-law Claudia Vokoun; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, his brother-in-law, Bob Eldridge, and his parents.

A private family burial is planned for both Lowell and Mary (d. 2025) this summer. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Lowell’s memory may do so with a donation to the Grinnell Tiger Booster Club.

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