David Charles Robben born March 23, 1942 passed away at the age of 80 on Wednesday, April 13, 2022.
David was the son of the late Francis ”Jim” and Dorothy (Spitzfaden) Robben, loving husband of Jennifer Snider-Robben ”Sweetie Pie,” cherished father of Colleen Thielke (Bill), Jenn Mill (Brett), loving ”Pop Pop” to Emily, Nick, Max, Chloe and Ryland, dear brother to Bob (Muffy), the late Michael ”Mickey” (Jeanne), Donna Knopf (Gregg), Patty Penrose (Michael), Joe (Mary), Denise Meinkoth (Rick), Nancy Persley (Drew), Margie Uxa (Charlie) and beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his former wife Maureen (Doherty) Robben.
A member of the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame and St. Mary’s Hall of Fame, Dave Robben played goalkeeper for over 30 years, competing for national championships with SLU & Kutis. He coached for over 50 years at the youth, high school, junior college, amateur Senior Men and Open Cup soccer levels. For 39 years Robben guided Oakville High School (OHS), while amassing 1,125 victories, the most combined boys and girls victories among all Missouri coaches. Capturing state championships in 1991 with the girls and 2000 with the boys. In addition, his teams made it to the final four on 7 other occasions and earned 27 district titles between them. His girls team also won the St. Louis Metro Cup in 1983 and finished as runners-up in 1984. He was named National Soccer Coaches Association of America Midwest Region Coach of the Year in 1991 and National Soccer Coaches Association of America Missouri State Coach of the Year in 2000, along with a plethora of other awards and honors. Robben was part of the inaugural class inducted into the Missouri State High School Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame.
In spite of these accomplishments, Dave would ask, ”But what defines success?” A fellow transcendental traveler Ralph Waldo Emerson once stated: ”To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
For Dave, he was most himself with his family. Whether vacationing and snorkeling with his ”Sweetie Pie” in his favorite place on earth, the Caribbean islands or working alongside his Media Coordinator for the OHS varsity soccer program, Jennifer was his true north and brought out his authentic self. From floating down the Black River to dancing at Native American pow wows, Dave was an avant-garde ”girl dad”, instilling confidence, independence, and the courage to look inward. He showed his two daughters how to connect with nature and ”dance first, think later.” The gregarious Grand Dude cherished his visits with the five grandkids. Pop Pop introduced them to classic movies, new genres of music and the art of storytelling, accompanied by his belly laugh. As the eldest of nine siblings, Dave Robben understood what family meant.
Dave again followed Emerson’s precepts as he sought ”to find the best in others; To give of self; To leave the world a bit better” in all parts of his life and most clearly in his worldly raison d’etre, education. Through teaching and coaching, Dave Robben found his purpose and passion. He honed his craft for 12 years at Woodward Elementary before moving into a new phase of his life and finding his true home at 5557 Milburn Road.
OHS remained a constant in his life for the next 39 years and while others often see a job as just work, Dave Robben, like with many things in his life, saw it differently. ”Every morning I don’t get up to go to work, I get up to go to school and do something I love to do: teach and coach.” These simple words epitomize his desire to continue his own growth intellectually, spiritually and emotionally, allowing him to stay mentally young. ”At some point in my life, I realized that teaching was my karma.”
For Dave, ”work was love made visible.” Through a quest for growth, Mr. Robben shaped the lives of thousands of students and colleagues. His holistic approach looked not to fill the brain with inert facts, but rather train the mind to seek out wisdom of its own. His classroom became the ”Robben Zone.” A place where individuality, self-awareness and reflection happened intuitively, with Mr. Robben, serving as educator, guide and shaman, helped students become lifelong learners and masters of their own destiny. To enter Room 101 meant to hear the dulcet tones of DEVO and Bob Marley and eschew conformity, it meant to be challenged mentally, but it also meant to be heard, valued and appreciated.
Robben’s teaching didn’t end with students, as he served as unofficial mentor to more educators and coaches than can be named. ”Robes” always had a story and the time to commiserate with colleagues, young and old. He looked to glean knowledge from all he encountered. Although Dave, the 2008 OHS Teacher of the Year, began in an older era of education, he was never idle and stayed on the cutting edge of education, culture and coaching. This want, to be in constant forward motion, made him not the stolid professor in an ivory tower, but instead the active seeker of wisdom searching for an Eldorado of truth.
He soon combined his two passions and found his next classroom, the soccer field. Here he made an impact influencing generations through a coaching philosophy that exuded class and respect, fostered technique and skill and demanded hard work and commitment. To play Oakville Soccer meant to share Coach Robben’s fighting spirit and understand that ”Soccer is a way of life; soccer is not merely a game, it is a passion.” With Coach Robben’s guidance, Oakville Soccer achieved greatly but was not defined solely by achievements. Rather ”Oakville Soccer was always about the strength of the pack, a reflection of what we did as a team,” and a kinship born out of knowing someone always had your back.
”Will I continue to breathe–will I continue to laugh – will I continue to grow and evolve? Yes” and true to his karmic nature, Coach Robben kept moving forward. Returning for one more run with family as he assisted his nephew, Jeff Robben at Lutheran South, culminating in a thrilling 3rd place State finish in the 2021 Spring season.
Emerson felt that ”to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded,” and he was right as we have shared time and space with such a man. What Dave passed onto others throughout his rich and vibrant life returned to him, as he was surrounded by love, with his daughters Colleen and Jenn, and his wife Jennifer, by his side as he boldly moved into another phase of his cosmic journey.
”It’s been real – It’s been really real – may the road rise up and the wind be at your back – Jah Love – One Love – Namaste – d.robben”
In lieu of flowers, donations can be mailed to Washington University/Heart Failure Program #30254, MSC-1082-414-2555, 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130-9989. Checks can be made out to Washington University with ”Heart Failure Program #30254” on the memo line. Donations can also be made online at gifts.wustl.edu. Please designate ”Heart Failure Program #3025” in the “enter my own designation” field.
Special acknowledgement and thanks to the amazing nursing staff at Missouri Baptist Hospital, Dr. Edward M. Geltman, Sandy RN, Dr. Dan Cooper, Tonya RN, Dr. Jay Seltzer and Theresa and Larry Peterson.
Memorial visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 from 3-8 pm. then on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church (4900 Ringer Rd. 63129) from 10:00 am. until Memorial Mass time at 11:00 am.
Our condolences and hope for God to calm your hearts as you face life without David.
Dave was an awesome guy and a fantastic teacher and coach. I loved his sense of humor (and of course, fashion- gotta love those Hawaiian shirts!) His laughter would always make my day better, and his chill attitude made even bad days seem more bearable. He is sorely missed.
I am so sorry for your and your family’s loss, Jennifer. I know what a loving husband and father David was. He will be deeply missed. I offer my heartfelt condolences.
So sorry for your loss, he was such a big part of the Oakville High School family.
I remember driving Mr. Robbin’s Soccer teams to
various competitions, he was always very nice and courteous to the Mehlville School District bus drivers. He was also one of my daughters favorite teachers.
May be be at peace in Heaven.
I am sorry for the entire Robben family for your loss of such a great person. I will never forget how he always made me feel. Mr. Robben was one of my best coaches and teachers. It is truly amazing how one person can have such an influence on one’s life. I will never forget his Mass Communications class…He introduced me to the best music of my life! This music is still on my playlist. Mr. Robben loved life, and it showed in everything he did. Very seldom do I cry, but when I heard the news…I completely broke down. It is so interesting how the passing of some affect me. This one was very difficult. It reminded me of how much I loved my childhood. Mr. Robben…I will miss you sorely. You are now in a great place, and I wish you and your family peace and happiness for eternity. With Love…MR. ROBBEN! I will never forget how you made me, my teammates, and everyone you touched a better person! RIP Mr. Robben
What do you say about an amazing man who dedicated his life to education and coaching for 38 years at Oakville and impacted so many lives? He was more than a coach to me. He was a mentor, great teacher, and a true friend. I will forever be grateful for the influence he had on me and the memories of some of the best years of my life. Thanks Coach, RIP ❤️ Smitty 95-98’
By far my favorite teacher. I had the privilege of taking English III, IV and film appreciation. Must have been four or five years ago I bumped into him at a restaurant and shared a great conversation. He will be missed without a doubt.
He was a fun teacher and great with the students. You’ll be truly missed.
I was in his English lit class my junior year (1999). He was awesome always. He definitely left a lasting impression. Thank you and RIP Mr. Robben.
Mr. Robben helped shape the man I am today. I will never forget his smile and laughter that I hold so dear. I loved his Film Appreciation class I took in high school and thankful for the time he coached me in soccer. My prayers go out to the Robben family. Know he is in a better place…
Mr Robben was one of a kind. Class of 83.
My condolences to the entire family. I have such fond memories of Mr. Robben and even got to meet his lovely wife, Jennifer on several occasions. I definitely have him to thank for contributing to the person I am today. He’ll be greatly missed and I can’t imagine how different high school would have been if I had a different teacher. Sending all of my love.
Robben made high school soccer the best! My favorite story of him is when the gate to the soccer field was locked before practice and he didn’t have the key and so he ran through the gate with his car to open it! And then parked his car in the usual spot and walked out like nothing happened. So funny!! He was the coolest man I’ve ever met and will be missed dearly but will live on through his many stories!
Mr. Robben was my English teacher in 1998. Most of high school is so far behind me that I never think about it…except for Mr. Robben’s class. “You always have a choice” is probably the most unforgettable lesson he taught me. Or the time I responded with, “yeah” and he looked at me and said, “yes,” and I repeated, “yes”—because I immediately got, with that one word, what he was trying to tell me: My word choice matters. He taught me so much about English and literature and writing and thinking…and he changed my life in that year. It’s been over 20 years and I am not usually nostalgic for those days…but man, would I love to sit in his class just one more time.
Please accept my deepest condolences for Mr. Robben. He was such a great teacher! I still talk about him with my own son and students.
Hard to pay the appropriate tribute to a man who dedicated his life to teaching, coaching, influencing, touching young lives. I was privileged to be a member of his first boys high school teams. We weren’t very good, but Dave had the gift of making everyone feel like they were special and an important part of something bigger than themselves.
Later in life, I made a point to run into Coach Robben at the soccer field – his outdoor classroom. I was always greeted warmly and had the opportunity to share a story with him. Like thousands of others, Dave shaped the way I act and influenced many decisions in my life – how I parent my children, how I coached and refereed sports, how I treat other people. I hope he was at least somewhat aware of the influence he had on so many.
This world lost a good human. I mourn the passing of Dave Robben and will miss his big smile and warm laugh. My prayers are with his wife and family, as well as all those in the community who were touched by Robes. RIP Coach! ❤️
Mr. Robben was one of a kind an icon if you will. He was such a great friendly teacher who always had a good laugh and great smile. I met him in mass media class where he called me Cosmos girl and then my daughter had him many years later. He called her McBubbles. He was such a sweet warm person We both loved his nicknames. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. He touched many lives so positively.
Mr. Robben was hands down my favorite teacher in 1992-1994 when I had him for English and Mass Media (I believe was what it was called). Not only did he have an influence on my evolving music taste but I felt right at home in my army jacket, flannel shirt, white t, jeans, doc martens. He NEVER judged his students-we all felt like we could talk to him and he would listen! He did! It’s so hard for teenagers to build that trust with an adult. He was a truly influential and gifted teacher. I will be sure to keep his memory alive through sharing my stories about him.
Rest In Peace and may God bless your family and hold them tight.
Dave Robben was one of a kind.
I consider myself richly blessed to have known him. He was my favorite teacher and coach, a great mentor, and a dear friend.
He taught me the importance of critical thinking and how to write well. He taught me a lot about soccer. He taught me that the values we learn as athletes and teammates are more important than W’s and Al’s. He didn’t realize it at the time, but he taught me how to be a coach.
He was unconventional, brilliant, and hilarious. He set high expectations, always encouraging his students and players to achieve our full potential in the classroom, on the field, and beyond. He loved life, his family, his students and players, teaching, and the beautiful game.
Although he’s gone, he’ll always be with us. His influence on countless students, players and coaches will continue to benefit generations to come as we pass on what he taught us.
Thank you, Coach. Job well done.
Sending our love and prayers to Jennifer, his kids, grandkids, and entire family.
Chris (OHS ‘87) & Robin (Wilshusen) (OHS ‘89) McDonough
Mr Robben was the best teacher hands down, I had him for 7th and 8th grade at Woodward. I always thought of him cause he was def my fav teacher. Condolences to the family and may you RIP Mr Robben <3
Mr. Robben was an amazing teacher, coach, mentor and friend. I am so deeply sorry for the Robben family. Coach touched everyone he came in contact with and we are all better for having known him. R.I.P. Coach Robben. Class ‘82
I had the privilege of tagging along and videotaping the OHS girls and boys soccer teams in the early 90’s, including the girls State Champion team. It was great fun seeing David interact with his players, and all of them enjoying the rewards of their efforts. One of the best parts of his lengthy, end-of-season soccer banquets was soliciting anonymous, 10 word or less, one-liner note cards from the players. During the program, Dave would periodically draw one at random and read it aloud. These were mostly uncensored, boarder-line comments, which were usually followed by rowdy laughter from the insiders. The evening would end by awarding the “parents jackpot” of $10 bets for the closest to the clock-time when Dave would actually stop talking, usually well after 10pm. RIP, David, you are missed.
Gary Johnson
My sincere condolences Jennifer. Coach will remain a force for my daughter Sarah Guenther. Dave was a mentor, second-dad, leader, funny-bone but mostly a dear friend.
As a former principal at Oakville High school, I knew Dave as a teacher who loved his students and taught them to think critically about various topics. I knew him as a coach who taught more to his athletes than soccer skills, and I know he made them better people. I always appreciated his candor and advice as a principal. Rest In Peace Dave. You will be greatly missed by the thousands of students who’s lives you touched. Prayers for your Jennifer and your family.
My condolences and prayers to the Robben Family. I have some great memories of sitting in the bleachers for over 10 years (93′-2003) watching Dave coach my 3 kids. I first meet Dave in the lunch room at OHS were I worked for a few months back in 97′ and he would walk in a buy a box of raisins. Dave was a teacher who always wanted the kids to achieve academically. On the soccer field he taught respect and important life lessons and then how to play the game. He influenced and will be remembered by so many. RIP Dave.
I am shocked and saddened by the news of Dave’s passing. I taught at Oakville High for 15 years and always loved talking with Dave. He was an inspiring teacher and coach. Prayers to the family.
I had the honor of being Dave’s teammate, with Kutis teams of the late ’60s & ’70s. He was a teacher to me… conveying the nuances of the game of soccer and facilitating my development and skills. I valued his ability as a goalkeeper and benefited in knowing that he was there to “have my back”. His knowledge of the game, his competitive spirit, and his influence in teaching are treasured gifts and his legacy.
RIP coach. Thanks for teaching me so much about goalkeeping and life.
Dr. Demento, If you know, you know
I was so sorry for your loss. You seemed like you had a very special marriage.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I’ll share with Barb.
I was on his girls soccer team 1980-1983. One night in 1983, when the girls soccer team was together after practice, we decided that we were going to tee pee Robes house. As a great team we covered his trees in toilet paper. It was a masterpiece. In our cars were circled the block honking our horns. He came out on his front porch smiling and waving to us! The Police pulled up behind us. He talked with the police men. The just made us clean it up. He was smiling the whole time. Later that year our team won the District Championship, which is as far as the girl could go in those days. After the game in the huddle he told us to look around at everyone. He said we will never forget this moment or the time we shared together. I never did! He was an awesome coach and person!! His words will live with me forever.
Great guy. He will be missed
Friend since attending St. Mary’s H. S. together.
Loved how he danced to a different drummer.
I’m 1981, Dave went home one night and recorded Mile David “Kind of Blue” on cassette to give to me. That album was so impactful to me as Dave was to so many people. I remember that day still 41 yrs later. Dave impacted everyone he touched.
Mr. Robben was my 8th grade teacher at Woodward back in 1974. He was my favorite and definitely made an impression on all of his students! He was much more than our teacher, he was our friend! He was so cool, he would borrow my albums and play them in class while we watched the lava lamp our class had given him,then have us write. We each kept a diary and would turn it in weekly and he would write in it encouraging words or questions. At 13 years old, it was so important to have someone you could be open with! May you RIP Mr. Robben!
Dave and I grew up together. My condolences and sympathy to the Robben family. It’s been years since Dave and I saw and talked, but old friends can connect quickly no matter how many years apart. He was one of my best friends in grade and high school. We both loved playing soccer and hanging out together. I’m sorry we missed out seeing each other and spending more time together reflecting on old times these past few years.However I have always valued the friendship we had. Rest In Peace my friend.
So sad to hear of Daves passing. He was the most influential person and greatest mentor in my life. I was one of the lucky Woodward students to have him for both 7th and 8th grade. Little did I know at that time he would continue to touch many young lives for his entire life. I made it a point to look him up later in life at OHS and thank him as I’m sure many others had. Dave is the perfect example for this famous quote. Those privileged to touch the lives of children and youth should constantly be aware that their impact on a single child may effect a multitude of others a thousand years from now. God Bless Daves family and friends during this tough time. The ultimate educator and great friend will be missed but never forgotten.
This was very sad news to hear. We knew Dave Robben many years ago and we send our condolences to his family. He was a wonderful person and had a great sense of humor. He will be missed by everyone whose lives he touched.
Dave was a long-time fellow coach and outstanding in both coaching and as a human being. He will be sorely missed. God take him into his arms and comfort his family.
Condolences to Jennifer and the rest of the family. Dave will be missed by many. His influence was wide and powerful. Rest In Peace.
Condolences to the family. I knew Dave since 1959. We were close friends for years. We spent a lot of our teen and early twenties talking music, movies and books. His enthusiasm inspired me. We both knew and learned from our good friend, Brother Orion Xavier Hargett – who taught us about life, and art and literature. I think he was a mentor to both of us. Dave and I lost track of each other in the 80’s but had a nice coming together at our class’s 60th high school reunion. I won’t forget Dave Robben, my friend. …Until we meet again.
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Very few teachers were as memorable as Mr. Robben. A great teacher, a great coach, a great human. Thanks for the wonderful memories, Mr. Robben. We’ll never forget you. c/o ’89.
All those years ago –
Dave was one of the first to introduce and instill my love for music.
Dave’s commitment to march to his own beat taught me to embrace courageous decisions against the social current.
“Only in spontaneity can we be who we truly are.”
-John McLaughlin
Condolences to the Robben Family.
What is, isn’t.
That’s the way Robes, Rave Dobben, Mr. Robben started his comments in my senior yearbook. I don’t have that book anymore, but I’ve never forgotten those words.
Three words that said a million.
Look past the obvious.
Don’t take things at face value.
The cultural phenomenon that is Ted Lasso says, “Be Curious, Not Judgmental”.
What is, isn’t. There’s a curiosity in those three words.
Robes was the cultural phenomenon at Oakville High School. Part philosopher, part music and film historian…ALL TEACHER.
He had this ability to make us feel like he was one of us. Not authoritative, not better than us, just someone who “GOT” us. How else to explain the music playing when we entered his classroom, his slapping of his forehead ala David Byrne from Talking Heads and the magazine and newspaper collages strewn about the walls?
Kraftwerk’s “fun, fun, fun auf da autobahn”, Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry”, Talking Heads “Life During Wartime”…I know every lyric to each of those songs. Can’t for the life of me tell you a single word from Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales”. Not…A…Single…Word!
And when I hear those songs, either in my head or coming through a speaker, they always lead me to think of Mr. Robben. Talk about an impression?
LASTING!
And his unique and impactful teaching methods didn’t end with music. Oh no, there were the films that made us think. Challenged us to see deeper than just the visuals on the screen. Searching for the symbolism and the meaning, the isn’t from the is.
To this day, BEING THERE, THE WALL and HAROLD AND MAUDE are 3 of my all-time favorite movies. Had it not been for Robes, I doubt I’d ever know about those films.
There’s a touch of irony that Robes’s heart gave out at the age of 80. Like Maude says in the movie: “I’ll be 80 next week. Good time to move on, don’t you think?”
I think my favorite teacher EVER would find the humor in that.
I got to see Robes on February 15th when he surprised me, through my mom’s and his wife Jennifer’s collaboration, by showing up for the screening of a documentary film about a run I did for childhood cancer awareness. I did not know he was sick. I found out after he passed that he was very sick that night but that he wasn’t going to miss the movie.
I was so shocked to see him, I said the “F” word. It just came out. I couldn’t believe that the man I revered so much, was standing right in front of me.
Robes was one of 3 people responsible for my choosing of the career path I took in media. His influence was with me every day during my 30-year radio career.
I speak to classes, read to little kids and represent during high school career days to pay back for the influence that Mr. Robben had on me. The most recent class I spoke with? The journalism and media classes at Oakville and Mehlville High Schools. How fitting!?
When someone we care about, admire and love passes, we often wish we could have told them how we felt about them. I don’t have that regret with Robes. He knew exactly how I felt about him.
Nor do I have the regret of leaving questions unanswered. When Robes gave out a superior grade, it wasn’t an “A” written at the top of the paper. When our work was deemed excellent, we received a yellow piece of paper with a photocopy of “Alice Cooper’s Certificate of Insanity” printed on it.
I only got one of those in my time in Robben’s classes, and I still have it to this day. I’ve always thought that those were given to us because of our ability to BS our way through the assignment, and I was curious since the day I graduated in 1988 if that theory was correct or not. Well, on February 15th, I got my answer:
Me: Ok, now that we’re years removed, was the Certificate of Insanity awarded to us for our ability to BS you?
Robes: No, it was the exact opposite. It was given for your ability to SEE THROUGH the BS.
That being the case, I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be getting one of those coveted Certificates right now because it’s hard to see through the BS of such an incredible man taken from us.
Life will no longer be the “same as it ever was, same as it ever was, same as it ever was, same as it ever was” because Robes was that person you only run across “Once In A Lifetime”, but, those 3 words he wrote give me solace.
“What is, isn’t”.
What is the end, isn’t the end.
I also think the converse of what is, isn’t, that what isn’t, is, certainly rings true today, for while Robes isn’t physically with us anymore, his teachings, his philosophy and his inspiration FOREVER is.
How grateful I am that our paths crossed!
Namaste, Robes.