Ricardo Julio Robles

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Robles, Ricardo Julio (87) of Plymouth, MN died peacefully on 10/7/2013. Born in Panama City, Panama on 3/21/1926 to Rogelio Robles Mendez and Sibila Ramirez de Robles. Became a US citizen while serving 2 yrs active duty in the US Army from '54-'56. Preceded in death by his parents, daughters-in-law Karen (Richard) and Julie (John). Survived by his soul mate Johanna and 4 children, Richard (Baton Rouge, LA), John (New Orleans, LA), Jeff (Pat) (Plymouth, MN), and Jane (Plymouth, MN). Also his loving sister Thilcia Robles de Paredes (Panama City, Panama), 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Graduated from Carleton College (Northfield, MN) in 1947. Retired in 1991 after 44 years with Cargill as President of the Pan American Division. Director or consultant for many international organizations including Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA), represented Cargill on the board of Latin America Agribusiness Development Corp for 23 yrs, Director of International Amigos de Las Americas, and International Center (Miami, FL). He had an intense love of music - Director of Jazz MN Organization and MN Orchestral Association, Symphony Orchestra. Served as executive mentor with Menthium Co which trains and advises women executives to advance through the "glass ceiling". Received the Carleton Distinguished Achievement Award in 1997 and elected to the Twin Cities Volunteer Hall of Fame in 2004. Above all, family was the accomplishment of which he was most proud. In his own words to his Family, "You, who are most of the petals of a symbolic rose that defines my senses, my being, my life's flower. How nice to realize that the gift of life is still worth the unavoidable pain, the sense of shrinking time, the re-sorting of priorities, the enjoyment of Family in its broadest sense. You are the most important part of my existence." Visitation: Friday 10/11/13, 5-8 pm at David Lee Funeral Home in Wayzata, 1220 Wayzata Blvd. E. Funeral Service: Saturday 10/12/13, 10 am at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd. in Wayzata, MN. Private interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Shorewood, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials to honor his love of education and service to others can be made to Carleton College or MEDA.

Published on October 9, 2013