Robin G. Carel

Robin G. Carel, 70, of Hamilton, Illinois, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois.

Up until the very end, Robin was still calling the shots. He fought a tough battle to stay with us on earth, ultimately deciding in his own time that he was “ready to go to heaven.” When he left this world, he was surrounded by those he loved most. Robin truly lived a great life. While people have different perspectives of him, everyone would agree that he was one of the toughest men they knew and would show up at a moment’s notice for someone he cared about. He had a stoic, sometimes intimidating presence that kept people guessing—that was just the way he liked it. He was a prankster in that way.

Robin was an ultimate craftsman, a “jack of all trades.” From his love of mechanics and restoring old cars to all things construction, his entrepreneurial spirit shone through. He was ahead of his time, starting a solar heating company in the 1980s. Eventually, he focused his skills on cabinetry and woodworking, opening Lake Cooper Mill Works in 1987. Over the years, all of his children, many of their friends, and even a couple of grandkids worked there. Robin was well-known for his beautiful, high-quality cabinetry, architectural millwork, and casework—a tradition continued by his son, Jessie.

Robin’s greatest pride was his family. He had a deep love and pride for his kids and grandkids. Though sometimes quiet in the room, his favorite thing on earth was the commotion of family around him. The energy and joy of family gatherings brought him the greatest happiness.

As a lover of the outdoors, Robin spent many years with the Boy Scouts. He eventually led Hamilton’s Troop 41 as Scoutmaster, fully immersing himself in taking the Troop on camping trips, canoe trips, and hikes. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow, the “National Honor Society” for Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Shaman. He dedicated countless hours to providing experienced leadership for local Scouts. The infamous Order of the Arrow bonfire tradition was often carried on and enjoyed by many at the Carel household.

Robin was also involved with several car clubs over the years, most recently with the Balcony Watchers in Monmouth, Illinois. He loved car shows and began running Hamilton’s Labor Day weekend show, Auto Fest. This year marked his 15th year leading and organizing the show, and he managed to complete this task during his last weeks, even from the hospital.

Robin taught many how to work with their hands and the value of hard work. He gave friends jobs when they needed it, loved boating on the Mississippi, fishing, shooting his gun collection, working in his yard, and talking about history—especially Native American history. Holiday traditions were something he lived for, with Halloween being his favorite, closely followed by Christmas Eve.

In his “retired” years, Robin enjoyed poking around the shop, checking in on how things were running. He loved taking long drives with his partner in crime and long-time girlfriend, Chris, along with their sweet puppies, Bailey and Pickles. They enjoyed cruising to Grafton, Spoon River Drive, and Mark Twain Lake, to name a few. They also loved visiting local festivals, flea markets, and antique shops. He had plans to start camping and becoming a vendor of antique magazines.

Robin’s legacy is one of strength, love, and craftsmanship. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit lives on in the many lives he touched, the traditions he cherished, and the work he dedicated his life to. Though he is no longer with us, the lessons he taught and the memories he created will remain with us forever.

Robin is preceded in death by his parents Raymond Gerald “Jerry” & Betty Carel; his brother Louis “Louie” Carel and his sister, Holly Carel. Robin is survived by his ex-wife of twenty-nine years Lisa Carel; his children: Hilary Carel, Jason (Becky) Carel, Breun (Jeremy) Smeltser and Jessie (Mikayla) Carel; thirteen grandchildren; four great grandchildren; his girlfriend Chris Neff; his sweet puppy Pickles; and many nieces and nephews, as well as those he took under his wing along the way.

Visitation will be held from 10 am to 12:30 pm on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Printy Funeral Home, 917 Blondeau Street, Keokuk, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the funeral home. A car and bike cruise in Robin’s memory will be held directly following the service, ending with a reception at the Warsaw Brewery at 4:30 pm.