Luann Julia Robins

Luann Julia Robins of Rhinelander, 96, passed away on January 5, 2026.

She was born on July 26, 1929, in Merrill, to Robert and Hattie Radloff. She was the youngest of 11 children, six girls and five boys. Throughout her life her love of “Hattie’s Clan,” made up of her mom and her siblings and their families, was central to her. Luann spoke of the hard years of the Depression. She was grateful to and proud of her siblings who bought her nice clothes and shoes to wear to school.

On October 27, 1951, Luann married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Robins. The couple added to “Hattie’s Clan” by giving birth to three children, Roderick (Rod), Jessica (Jay) and Elizabeth (Liz). The family lived in several northern Wisconsin communities until Bob’s job moved the family to Green Bay. Missing the beautiful Northwoods, the couple returned to Rhinelander in 1973 and opened Robins Realty, a family business the couple ran for over 20 years. They also owned The Fortress, a Christian book and gift store, for several years.

Luann always had a love for beauty, creativity and learning. She designed her own wedding ring. She planted breath-taking gardens. She delighted in decorating her home. She made recipes she found in fancy cooking magazines and was famous for her delicious soups. She read voraciously. She enjoyed her creative writing class for many years. Luann took Nicolet College courses in photography and computers. She texted and sent emails well into her early 90s.

Luann cared deeply about people and thoroughly enjoyed conversation. She was often one of the last to leave the fellowship hall after a worship service at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She loved her church family and liked working on committees and participating in the church circle.

Luann’s faith was instrumental to her. It was her faith that carried her through losing her mother, all of her siblings, her son-in-law Karl Southworth, her husband Bob, her son-in-law Frank Perlmutter, and her daughter Liz Perlmutter just this past year. Her faith and love of people served her well as she left her Rhinelander home to begin a new life at Rennes Health & Rehab Center in 2023. Her suite-mate Kay, the other friendly residents, and the talented and caring staff became an important community to her and to her family.

Luann especially loved the music programs and was often heard singing as she walked down the halls. She almost always displayed a positive attitude, and her cheery smile was contagious.

Luann is survived by her son Rod (Adie) of Peshtigo, her daughter Jessica Southworth-Bates (Alan Bates), her grandchildren Jennifer Robins Kitchenmaster (Aaron), Bobby Robins (Samantha), Michael Perlmutter, Andrew Perlmutter (Lizzie), Julia Perlmutter, Kyle Bates (Ashley), Emery Bates Terwilliger (Brian), step-grandchildren Neil Southworth (Jessica), and Anne Bates. She is survived by 12 great-grandchildren.

The family thanks the staff and residents at Rennes for embracing Luann and her family.

Visitation for Luann will be held at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church on Friday, Jan. 16, starting at 9:30 a.m. The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. with Pastor Morgan Simmons officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church basement. Burial will be in the Snow Hill Cemetery in Merrill.

A memorial is being established in Luann’s name, and any gifts may be directed to her family.

You may also leave your private condolences for the Robins family at www.carlsonfh.com. The

Carlson Funeral Home, 715-369-1414, is serving the Robins family.