Kim "Dobber" Dobbins' Obituary
Kim “Dobber” Dobbins passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Kim was born five minutes before his cherished “identical” twin sister (but he would tell everyone, with a wink, that she had brown eyes) Kerry, on June 12, 1949. Kim was the son of Florence Dobbins (Schoshinski) and Sam Dobbins.
Kim served his country with the 173rd Airborne Division of the US Army in Vietnam from 1969-1970, earning a Purple Heart for injuries he sustained. Later, Kim served his country for over 20 years in the US Army Reserve.
Kim married the love of his life, Jean Grabner, on February 27, 1971. Together they shared many good times traveling to Florida and all over the south. Kim and Jean loved to dance to the “oldies” wherever they could. Bear Lake Resort was a frequent favorite. In their 48 plus years together Kim and Jean made friends everywhere they went. Together they were the life of the party. In his spare time, Kim could be found on the golf course, where he loved the many friends he made. Golfing with his brother Ty was always the best; there have been reports of them bickering like a married old couple.
Together they raised two daughters, Shannon (Dobbins) Haydin and Colleen (Dobbins) Holthe. They were the love of his life. Kim had a knack for brushing out the most tangled long hair which came in handy later when he had two grand daughters, Lauren Haydin and Peyton Holthe. Grandpa Kim was the only one who could do it right. Kim enjoyed cheering for his grandson, Gavin Holthe, at hockey games, and always had a job for his computer whiz-kid, William Haydin.
Kim is survived by his wife, Jean; daughters Shannon (Brett) Haydin (Monona, WI) and Colleen Holthe, (Maple Grove, MN); grandchildren Lauren Haydin, William Haydin, Gavin Holthe and Peyton Holthe; sister Quinn (Bruce) Bursack, brother Terry (Billie) Dobbins, Ty Dobbins and his special friend Elaine, sister Kerry; and in-laws Susan Daily, Pat Dinkel (Chuck), Judy Doud (Brian) and Kevin (Mischelle) Grabner. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and good friends.
Kim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lee Dobbins, brother-in-laws Gary Schumacher and Gary Daily, and niece Penny Dobbins.
The family would like to thank the staff at Aurora, especially nurse Josh who went above and beyond with Kim’s care, and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center for all of their compassion and care.
Funeral services with military honors will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Fiss and Bills- Poklansky, 865 S. Westhaven Dr., Oshkosh, WI. Visitation will begin at 11:30 am with services at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers (Jean’s allergies!), please consider a donation in his honor to the Purple Heart Foundation or Wounded Warriors.
“May the canopy of Thy love shield and keep us now and forever”. Rest easy Sky Soldier.
What’s your fondest memory of Kim?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kim?
Share a story where Kim's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kim you’ll never forget.
How did Kim make you smile?