A funeral service for Darrel will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the Wesley Community Church. Burial will be held in Evergreen Cemetery, Wesley and Military Honors will be conducted by Andrews Post #428. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Oakcrest Funeral Services, Wesley.
Darrel Rye Robinson was born February 2, 1935 in Ledyard, the son of Clair and Neva (Brayton) Robinson. He grew up in the Wesley area and graduated from Wesley High School in 1952.
Following high school, Darrel enlisted in the United States Navy in June of 1952 and served at A.L.F. Ream Field in San Diego, California, and later on the USS Shangri LA CVA 38 based out of North Island Naval Air Station. He was honorably discharged in December of 1955.
On April 6, 1957, Darrel was united in marriage to Marilyn Kearney in Algona. They lived in Algona and Decorah until making their home in Wesley.
Darrel was a tool die maker for Iowa Mold & Tool and later Snap-on. He retired in 2000. Following retirement, Darrel and Marilyn enjoyed wintering in Texas for a few years. They made their home in Clear Lake in 2015.
One of Darrel’s greatest joys in life was pursuing his passions. He was an avid hunter, finding solace in the great outdoors and appreciated the beauty of nature. Darrel also had a love for fishing, spending countless hours by the water, casting his line, and enjoying the peacefulness that came with it. Additionally, he was a skilled bowler, engaging in friendly competition and camaraderie with friends and family on the lanes. In his later years, he enjoyed playing pool at the Senior Center in Clear Lake.
A devoted and gentle spirit, Darrel found strength in the pages of his Bible. Each morning he embraced the dawn with a ritual that reflected his deep connection to the word of God. The Wesley United Methodist Church was more than a congregation; it was a second home to Darrel. The church was started by his great-grandfather and there was always a member of the Robinson Family, with Darrel as the final Robinson member before the church closed. He then became a member of the Wesley Community Church. Darrel was also a member of the Wesley American Legion.
Darrel died Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. He was 88.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of Clear Lake sons, Keith Robinson of Clear Lake, Michael (Paula) Robinson of Fountain Hills, AZ; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Earl Robinson of Algona; sister-in-law, Lorraine Robinson of Eugene, OR; informally adopted families, Michael Casper and family, Nancy Johnson and family, and Jacob Peterson; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, Marion Robinson, Bill (Irene) Robinson, Dick Robinson; and sister-in-law, Juanita Robinson.