Biography: John Edward Robben, of North Little Rock, was called to his heavenly home on July 31, 2024.  Born on June 9, 1948, in Hoxie, Kansas, John was the fifth child and youngest son of Joseph William Robben and Mary Catherine Wernette.  John attended Leoville School in Leoville, Kansas.  During his early years, he developed his strong work ethic on their family farm and enthusiasm for a good team, playing many sports.  He was a proud 1965 Kansas Boys State attendee and a member of the local 4 H club.  After graduating in 1966, he attended Creighton University, completing a bachelor’s degree in business administration.  He then attended graduate school at the University of Nebraska.  John then joined the US Army, serving as a captain until 1980. 

John began his career in the restaurant business in Minneapolis, where he met the mother of his children, Pamela Chronister.  The two then moved to Pam’s hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas, where they raised four children together and were married for 23 years.  During this time, his career included opening several restaurants and an adventure in opening his own, Juan and Diego’s, in Crossett, Arkansas.  John then transitioned into the car business and eventually became the COO of Smith Auto Group in Arkansas, Missouri, and Florida.  John married the love of his life, Dana Green, in 2005, and at this time gained another daughter.  The two enjoyed travel and family while John continued his career.  He served as a loving caregiver for Dana during her battle with cancer until her passing in 2020. 

John devoted his life to service, family, and God.  During his career, he served on the board of directors of the Arkansas Automobile Dealers Association, and the Fort Smith and Fayetteville Chambers of Commerce.  He spent many hours volunteering for Arkansas Hospice and as a eucharistic minister at UAMS.  He was a proud member and president of the Silver Souls group at Our Lady of Holy Souls.  He found a true home at Holy Souls and cherished every moment of it.  John was also an active member of Liberty Fellowship Church.
 
John’s greatest title in life was Pops.  His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he made their lives special.  Attending sporting events, pick-ups from school, fishing trips, and big bear hugs- he did it all.  He was a man of many talents- an avid gardener, a licensed pilot, and a master sourdough baker.  Everyone who knew John was touched by his love and spirit to live life to the fullest. 

John is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Dennis (Darlene), Joseph, and Bert, sons William and Joseph (infant), and his wife Dana.  He is survived by his sisters Laura Catura (John), Marsy Robben (Craig Strang), and Annet Robben (Mike Heber), sisters-in-law Linda Robben and Terry Robben, brother-in-law Gary Green, son John Whitmore (Catherine), daughter Mary Kathryn DiGiacomo (Jason), daughter Jacklyn Powell (Jimmy), daughter Ericka Enlow, grandchildren Jeffrey and James Puddephatt, Jordan Cates, James Moxley Powell III, Michael and Emma DiGiacomo, John Frederick and George Robben, and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and cousins. 

There will be a visitation at 5:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church on Thursday, August 8, with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.  A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 9, also at Holy Souls with Fr. Daniel Velasco as Celebrant.  

For those unable to attend, the service will be available online via the church website  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCandFsKGya6oI5bw7xvL4Ig/featured  Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church or Arkansas Hospice.  The family would like to thank Fr. Daniel Velasco and Fr. Bhaskar Malapolu for their loving support and friendship with John.  Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com