Visitation: Thursday, March 20, 2025, 5:00 P.M.to 7:00 P.M., Peterson Mortuary, 212 S. Locust Street, Glenwood, Iowa.
Services: Friday, March 21, 2025, 11:00 A.M., Peterson Mortuary, 212 S. Locust Street, Glenwood, Iowa.
The world feels a bit dimmer today. With heavy hearts, the family of Flossie Marie Robertson announces her peaceful passing on March 16, 2025.
Flossie was born on July 16, 1926, to John “Paddy” Powles and Nellie Marie (Pace) Powles in Pacific Junction, Iowa, the youngest of three daughters. She embraced life wholeheartedly, radiating warmth and joy wherever she went.
To know Flossie was to love her. Her vibrant and generous spirit could brighten any room, and her presence left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her passing leaves an unfillable void for many, a testament to the deep and meaningful connections she nurtured throughout her life.
Flossie grew up on a farm south of Pacific Junction and graduated from Pacific Junction High School in 1943. She had a joyful childhood, never doubting she was loved. From an early age, she pursued her passion for dance, participating in lessons and recitals. She also had a gift for bringing people together, whether organizing school events, helping with family celebrations, or hosting social gatherings.
After high school, Flossie attended business school, where she learned typing and shorthand. She worked at Robinson’s Building General Store before being recruited to Offutt Air Force Base during World War II, serving under several generals and commanding officers. Later, she managed the office at a veterinary clinic in Plattsmouth, a job she truly enjoyed.
Flossie met the love of her life, Claude Robertson, and after a brief courtship, they eloped to Papillion, Nebraska, on March 24, 1947. Claude, a U.S. Navy aviation radioman, eventually left his military career to raise a family, and in 1948, they began their life together on the family farm. Flossie took great pride in being a farmer’s wife, actively involved in the farming operation, including managing the family-owned grain elevator. Even in her later years, she could recall corn prices from decades past. Their marriage endured hardships—droughts, floods, and heartbreaks—but their devotion to each other never wavered.
Together, they were blessed with four children: Steven Claude, Rodney Guy, Duane Philip, and Debra Marie. While they worked hard, they also made time for relaxation, travel, and weekends filled with family and friends.
Flossie loved life—traveling, playing cards, Wii bowling, going to the casino, enjoying a good steak, and, most of all, spending time with her family. She often said her favorite role was being a grandmother and later, a great-grandmother. She was an active member of the United Methodist Women’s group in Pacific Junction and rarely missed a recital, concert, livestock show, or event her grandchildren participated in.
After Claude’s passing, Flossie continued to live on the farm and eventually found companionship with Harold Kolbe. They married in Hawaii in 2003 and shared wonderful years together until his passing in 2009.
In her final years, she resided at Linnwood Estates and later at Glen Haven Village, where her sassy spirit endeared her to the staff and residents. No one left her room without taking a chocolate or playing a game of cards.
Flossie’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love for her family and friends will be deeply missed but forever cherished. The stories she shared will live on, told for generations to come.
She is survived by her children, Duane Robertson of Glenwood, Iowa, Debra Niimi of Florida and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Robertson; grandchildren Melissa (Rick) Engel, Michele Robertson, Philip Robertson, Holly (Jonathan) Jackson, Danelle Robertson, Kaitlin (Zach) Colatch, Scott (Debbie) Howser, and Heath (Jen) Howser; and great-grandchildren Rachel Donnini, Lacey Jackson, Isaiah Engel, Ian Engel, Livia Jackson, Maxton Jackson, Maverick Jackson, Taylor Howser, Carson Howser, Avery Howser, Claire Barajas, Claude Colatch, and baby Colatch, due in August 2025.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Ruby Slaughter and Inez Cheyney; husbands Claude Robertson and Harold Kolbe; and sons Steven and Rodney.
Flossie’s legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will never be forgotten.
Interment, Glenwood Cemetery, Glenwood, Iowa.
Memorial donations have been designated to the Glenwood Volunteer Fire Association or Glen Haven Adult Day.
13 Condolences
My sincere condolences to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rest in Peace cousin Flossie. Will miss your stories of the family>
My deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Flossie was a very special lady!! She will be missed by many! Prayers for all the family!
Sending hugs & love to all Flossie left behind. Anyone that was in her life knew the family stories she would tell. Her memory was fantastic. She remembered so much. Those will all be cherished memories for you. Her earthly presence will be missed, but I know she will be watching over all of you. I was blessed to be a part of the family for many years & my girls & grandchildren were truly blessed for all the memories they and their friends had over the years. Her love for her family was fierce. I could not have asked for a better grandmother for my family. Rest in peace Flossie, you have earned your place in heaven❤️👼🏻.
Flossie was an inspirational strong woman. We were grateful that she and Harold shared very happy years. Although short it may have been Harold’s happiest years. She always found a way to keep everyone smiling. Gave the best advice and was so full of knowledge. We will miss our conversations.
Our deepest condolences,
Felecia, Kevin and Sophia
So sorry to hear Flossie passed. When we were neighbors I used to walk down the road past her house. If she saw me she’d come out and talk to me always asking how my family was doing. Sometimes we visited at the end our road. I enjoyed talking with her very much. Rest east and fly high Flossie
Sad, but forever happy & grateful to know you. You are an inspiration to everyone whom has had the pleasure of having an association with you. You brought everlasting joy, even though it felt so brief, when you extended your being with my Uncle Harold. Thank you, Aunt Flossie.
We are so sorry to hear of Aunt Flossie’s death. We always enjoyed seeing her and Hal when they would come and visit our Mom and Dad (Verla and Lowell Kolbe) in Wahpeton. Please accept our sincere sympathy and prayers.
My deepest sympathies for your loss, prayers.
Duane and Deb – Prayers of comfort.
I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. She was a great lady. She showed me and my boys so much kindness and shared her home with me during Mom’s passing. I’ll always remember our road trip out to Scott’s wedding. Such a sweet time.
I never met Flossie, but reading her tribute, I feel as if I missed a great adventure and joy..Katie speaks of her so fondly, and Connie and I send our sympathy and love to the family. I am sure that part of the sparkle in little Claude’s eyes comes from his great-grandma.
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