Obituary: Donald Robnik

Donald Louis Robnik of Cloquet, known to his friends and family as Donny, passed away unexpectedly Sunday June 23, 2024, at age 58.

He was born in Duluth on May 13, 1966, to Dennis and Mary Ann (Hill) Robnik. Donny graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School in 1984, where he was a gifted artist and earned a scholarship.

Donny wore many professional hats in his life. A jack of all trades, he started out working for his family’s towing business in Rochester, Minnesota, then moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and attended the Rhema Bible institute. Donny was a man of deep faith, and despite his own struggles was always willing to support and encourage others in prayer and love. He returned to the Northland in the 1990s. He loved and appreciated our northern beauty, and enjoyed fishing and exploring for agates, often with his son and daughters in tow. He was proud of his landscaping business, Up North Trimming. He graduated from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in 2009 with a degree in geographical information systems. He was an avid sports fan and movie buff, and had an impressive collection of films.

Donny was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Robnik. He is survived by his mother, Mary Ann (Hill) Robnik; siblings, Dan (Pat) Robnik, Andrew (Amy) Robnik, Amy (Eric) Joob and Adam (Dr. Joanna) Robnik; children, Alyssa (Dr. Joel) Phelps, David Robnik (Anne Archambeau), and Bethany Robnik (Woodrow Unruh); and numerous nieces, nephews and a large extended family.

A loving father, brother, and son, Donny will be immeasurably missed.

Private services are planned for a later date. To leave online condolences for his family, please go to affordableduluth.com/obituaries.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please consider sending donations to Friends of the Boundary Waters or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in the name of Donald Robnik.

Pine Knot News, July 5, 2024