Captain Tad D. Robison

Tad David Robison, 52, of Andalusia, Illinois, passed away April 2, 2023 at his parents’ home in Las Vegas, Nevada, surrounded by family after his long fight with Pancreatic Cancer.

Services to celebrate Tad’s life will be held at Vibrant Arena at The MARK, Moline, beginning with a Firefighter salute and Masonic service at 3:00 p.m., Monday, April 10, immediately followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m.  A funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, at Vibrant Arena.  Cremation will take place after services at Trimble Crematory.  Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory, Moline, is entrusted with arrangements.  Memorials may be made to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network or The Dr Brent Ohl Strong Pancreatic Cancer Support and Awareness Fund.

Tad was born September 12, 1970 to David and Sharon (Dreessen) Robison. Growing up he was an active member in the Boy Scouts #425.  He married the love of his life, Michelle Proksch of Moline on July 4, 1992 which was fitting with how much he loved his wife and his country. On June 20th, 1995 Tad and Michelle welcomed their baby girl, Kaitlyn, into the world. Tad enjoyed coaching and watching Kaitlyn play softball starting with T-ball all the way to watching her play in College & Italy. He was so incredibly proud to become a Papa to Lorenzo David in April 2022. Lorenzo got to experience his first hunting season with his Papa this past November which was a priceless memory. Tad loved hunting, fishing, and having a cold beer with all of his friends that he loved like brothers. Some of his most fond memories was with all of the guys on their fishing trips up to Lake Erie and the Hunters Prayer every November at the Iverson Garage. Tad was very proud of his family, friends, and his career as a firefighter on the Rock Island Arsenal.

He started his love for firefighting as a volunteer firefighter in Coyne Center and Sherrard. Tad started his professional firefighting career at the Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department in March 2001 and reached the rank of Captain. When he accepted the position as a firefighter, he also took on the Chef role in the firehouse. When it was Tads turn to cook everyone knew it would be delicious and there would be enough for everyone to eat for days. During the last couple of years of his career he was still working while undergoing chemotherapy which is just one of many the testaments to his strength, determination, and passion for his job. He retired March 2021 after 20 years of service. He was also a Veteran after serving for the Illinois National Guard. When he wasn’t busy with his job or family, he was an off-ice official for the Quad City Mallards and Storm.

Tad received the following medals for his military service: Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Illinois Long and Honorable Medal. He received the Civilian Service Commendation Medal, Life Saving Hero of the Day, and Numerous Letters of Commendation for Service to the Rock Island Arsenal during his tenure with the Arsenal Fire Department.

He will be so very missed by his wife, Michelle; daughter, Kaitlyn (Gino) DeGeorge; grandson Lorenzo; parents, David and Sharon Robison; sister, Tara (Brad) Stauffer; niece Kelsa Stauffer; Aunt Pat (Jay) Thomas; Aunt Jackie Hanson; special friends; Adam Clark, Don Henry, and Mike Iverson; his Firefighter Family; as well as a large and loving extended family.

He is now united in heaven with his grandparents; Ken and Marjorie Dreessen, Jesse and Pauline Robison; Uncle Jesse JR Robison; Uncle Hank Hanson; and his many beloved Furbabies.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.