John Steven Robeson passed away on July 15, 2026. He was born July 17, 1951, in Toledo, Ohio to Ray and “Non” (Edna) Robeson.
He graduated from Perrysburg High School in 1969. Then he met the love of his life Karen in Toledo that summer. He joined the navy in February 1970, and they sent hundreds of letters over the 4 years. He saw much of the world, starting on the West Coast, Vietnam, Hawaii, Japan, and China. He married Karen on April 24, 1973. He held many diverse jobs, including Cargill Grain in Maumee and Toledo. He also worked as a real estate agent for DiSalle in Maumee. Then he bought a restaurant in Whitehouse, Ohio – Chicaroos, 2001-2005. Best chicken and diner food ever.
Then a move to Marysville, Ohio to experience his 3 grandsons growing up, while there he took a chef job at Honda and learned to cook many Asian dishes.
John was always quick with a smile and made people laugh. He loved to volunteer at the Wood County Humane Society, and his other interests were gardening and exercising at BGSU Seniors classes. He was a political activist in BG. He also enjoyed antique collecting and watching eagle and osprey nest cams.
He is survived by his wife Karen of 53 years, daughter Kristy Gilkerson (Joe), grandsons Dillon (Monet), Owen and JT Gilkerson, brother Mike Robeson (Sharon), nephews Brian Robeson, Kenny and Steve (Angie), niece Michelle, mother in law Betty Kretz, sister in law Nancy Kettinger (Matt), brother in law Jim Kretz (Annie), uncles John French, Fred Hall, aunts Helen Dennis, Ila Meyers, Karen Hall, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews; Jim French, Sandy Alexander, Cindy, Ron, Julie, David, Jon, Robbie, Ray, Pat.
In addition to his parents, John was also preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Robeson, and his father-in-law, Leo Kretz.
John would especially like to thank Dr. Harris MD at the Toledo VA for all her care and medical guidance through the years. She is truly what a medical doctor should be. John was fortunate to be her friend and patient.
The family would also like to express their deep gratitude for the BG medics and police for their help and concern.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio at 408 W. Wooster St., 43402. John’s funeral service will immediately follow, starting at 1:00 at the funeral home, with Matt Kettinger officiating.
Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the Wood County Humane Society.
To leave an online condolence or fond memory with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
