Haldon Robarge Obituary

Rev. Haldon J. Robarge

Dec 30, 1933 - Jun 20, 2025

North Canton

Rev. Haldon J. Robarge, 91, of North Canton, surrounded by his family, peacefully went to be with his savior Friday, June 20, 2025. He was born in Toledo December 30, 1933, to James and Johanna (Ballert) Robarge. He was an ordained minister and enjoyed serving as a parish pastor for over 47 years. He was an assistant pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Norwalk, and later as Senior Pastor 1962-69; Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Girard, 1969-1986; Bethel Lutheran Church, Canton, 1986-1998; and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Greenville, 1998-2006.

After retirement, he continued serving as an interim pastor and consultant in 11 congregations over 12 years in the three Ohio synods (Southern, Northwestern, and Northeastern) and then served as a supply pastor. Some of the most humbling and fulfilling aspects of his ministry were witnessing more than 14 young people whom he taught or worked with become Lutheran parish pastors and officiating at the second marriage of his widowed mother to George Lustic.

Various professional, church, and community organizations in which Robarge was involved include Chairman Huron County Red Cross, Chaplaincy in Civil Air Patrol, Holiday Inn Hotel, and Aultman Medical Center. He was also president of numerous clergy/ministerial groups, an instructor at Trumbull County Mental Health Center, and consultant/mediator for congregations in the conflict in Northeastern Ohio Synod of the ELCA. In 1985, he was nominated for "Who's Who in Religion in America in 1985." He has received certification as a Church Growth and Church Conflict Consultant; Taylor Johnson Temperament Analysis (TJTA) Administrator and Instructor; Parent Effectiveness Trainer (PET), Teacher Effectiveness Trainer (TET) and Youth Effectiveness Trainer (YET). He attended Capital University and is a graduate of the University of Toledo (1955 B.A.) and Capital University Seminary (Trinity Seminary), Columbus, Ohio, (1959 B.D.). He also attended the University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, 1963; Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1972; Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, 1977 M.Div. and McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois, 1980-82, where he completed the academic requirements for Doctor of Ministry.

Robarge enjoyed being active with sports and hobbies, which include swimming, fishing, golf, tennis, bowling, fast-pitch softball, and basketball. In later years, it was more about watching many sporting events on TV.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; parents, Johanna & James Robarge; and stepfather, George Lustic; brother, Paul Robarge; sister, Barbara Eisenhauer; sister-in-law, Diane Robarge; brothers-in-law, Carl Eisenhauer, Robert and James Babcock; daughter-in-law, Patti Valentich; granddaughter, Tara Robarge.

He is survived by his sons, John of North Canton and James (Lisa Hill) of Louisville, Ohio; daughter, Pamela (Burns) and fiancé Dave Kinion of Estero, Florida; grandsons, Ryan Burns (Haley), Nathan Burns (Collette), Conner, and Adam Burns; stepgranddaughter, Vanessa Valentich; great-granddaughters, Cora and Amelia Burns. He is also survived by his two sisters, Ruth Mayer (Gary) of Fredericksburg, Texas, and Tracey Lustic of Toledo. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.

He was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He loved many, was loved by many, and will be missed by all.

Haldon's celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Friday June 27, 2025, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2551 55th St NE, Canton, Ohio. Family will greet visitors two hours preceding the service.

The family would like to thank Windsor Medical Center and Aultman Hospice for the compassionate and exceptional care provided during his final days. We would also like to thank Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Ohio Lutheran Synod for honoring our father's wishes.

Arrangements are entrusted to Mark R. Vrabel Funeral Home, North Canton, OH 330-452-4041.