Robyn Ruth Gensicke Uptegraff

Robyn Ruth Gensicke Uptegraff

Peoria, Ariz.

Robyn Gensicke Uptegraff passed away on Sept. 6, 2023, at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Robyn was born on Feb. 14, 1954, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to her loving parents, Robert and Jesselyn Gensicke. She spent her formative years in Cedar Rapids graduating from Jefferson High School in the class of '72. Robyn furthered her education at Kirkwood Community College before relocating to Los Angeles, where she completed her studies in social ecology at the University of California at Irvine.

She embarked on a remarkably successful career, beginning at the City of Santa Ana and concluding her professional journey with a well-deserved retirement from the Irvine Company as a senior vice president in 2011. After retirement, Robyn continued to make an impact, working as a principal for Uptegraff Consulting through 2014, and later contributing her expertise to the County of Orange as an assistant director of Public Works. Her dedication and contributions to her work were truly commendable.

Robyn met the love of her life, Michael Uptegraff in 1986. They were married in 1990. Together, they cherished their shared passions, including traveling, golfing and cozy date nights at the movies. Robyn embraced her new role as a mother to Kristy and Julie and took immense joy in being a grandmother to six wonderful grandchildren. While residing in Irvine, Calif., she and Michael made the decision to retire to Peoria, Ariz. Robyn made a lasting impact in both communities through her involvement, particularly at the Blackstone Country Club at Vistancia.

Robyn's inner and outer beauty was unparalleled. She radiated kindness, generosity, and love as a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Beyond her professional achievements, she showcased her talents in the kitchen and sewing room. She had an extraordinary ability to see the good in people, even in the face of adversity. Her enduring grace, especially during her recent challenges, were an inspiration to all who knew her. Robyn believed in living life without regrets, a valuable lesson she credited to her grandmother Hollis. Her family, circle of lifelong friends and colleagues held a special place in her heart and she in theirs. Enduring friendships brought her great joy, and their memories together will forever be cherished.

Robyn was preceded in death by her loving parents and her brother, Steven.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Michael; step-daughters, Kristy (Brian) and Julie; and six cherished grandchildren. Robyn is also survived by her sister, Holly (Al) Louvar; sister-in-law, Mary Ann Gensicke; her nephews, Ryan (Kara) Louvar, and their children, Grady and Ellie; and Nick Louvar; niece, Anne (Shane) Ohrt and their daughter, Rigley; and nephew, Chris (Nicole) Gensicke, and their son, Elias.

Her life will be celebrated in Arizona, California and Iowa, with details of these commemorations to be announced at a later date.