Bilse James Robinson Ii

Bilse J. Robinson II, 86, of Albion, NE passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at Good Samaritan Society, Albion, NE.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, August 28, 2023, at United Methodist Church, Albion, NE with Pastor Lynde Linde officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion, NE. Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Sunday at the church.

Memorials are suggested to the Boone County Foundation Fund.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Bilse James Robinson II, son of Bilse James and Neva (Atteberry) Robinson I, was born January 19, 1937, in Lincoln, NE. He was baptized and confirmed at the United Methodist Church, Albion, NE. He grew up in the area and graduated from Albion High School with the class of 1955.

Bilse attended and earned the degree of Bachelor of Science in Education at Chadron State College in 1959. He lettered in basketball, baseball, and track. He was named "Mr. Eagle" by the student body and faculty his senior year.

On June 14, 1959, Bilse married his high school sweetheart, Kay Ellen Doering at the United Methodist Church, Scottsbluff, NE. Once Kay earned her degree the two started their teaching careers in David City, NE for the next five years. When their eldest daughter, Sue, was born the family moved back to Albion where Bilse continued in the teaching profession as a shop teacher, activities director, and coach for Albion Public Schools.

Bilse was a member of the United Methodist Church for over 70 years. He belonged to the Nebraska Athletic Directors Association where he was named Athletic Director of The Year in 1994, Nebraska Coaches Association, and Albion Education Association. Bilse coached for 40 years. He was also a 4-H leader, member of Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited where he was honored with a 25-year and 50-year outstanding service award.

Bilse was an outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, and play sports. He was passionate about being an environmentalist and conservationist. Bilse took great pride in mentoring new coaches and helping kids choose their path whether it be the traditional route or a trade school. He was initiated into and honored twice in the Albion Downtown Athletic Club – Hall of Fame. Bilse was instrumental in obtaining the grant for and development of the Boone Central Football Field and Track Complex.

Bilse also operated the family ranch west of Petersburg, NE where he raised commercial cattle, registered quarter horses, and prairie hay.

Bilse is survived by his wife of 64 years: Kay Robinson of Albion, NE; four daughters: Sue Cole of Albion, NE; Jody (Mike) Matthews of Nixa, MO; Jean Barrick of Castle Pines, CO; Donna (Rob) Miller of Petersburg, NE; 7 grandchildren: Shannon; Neva; Allyson; Hayden; Katie; Robbie; Lacie; brother: Rob (Pam) Robinson of Albion, NE; along with niece: Jennifer; nephew: William; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded by his parents: Bilse and Neva Robinson I.