Robert Karel

Robert C. Karel, age 91, of Jenison, was peacefully called home to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, May 17, 2026. 

Born on April 9, 1935, in Grand Rapids to the late Clarence and Florence (Hoogewerf) Karel, he attended Grand Rapids Christian High School. He proudly served in the Naval Reserves before beginning his career as a bricklayer and later dedicating more than 35 years of faithful employment to Harlo Industries prior to his retirement. He was known for being very detailed and organized in all that he did. Blessed with a love of music, he shared his beautiful bass voice singing in the church choir for many years. He was an avid sports fan who especially enjoyed football, baseball, and auto racing, and also loved boating and skiing. A faithful and devoted family man, he was a constant supporter of all his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, always cheering them on and taking great pride in their accomplishments. Following retirement, he and his wife enjoyed spending winters in Florida. Above all, the greatest legacy of his life was his unwavering love for Jesus and his family.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 71 years, Nettie (VanderTill) Karel; his children, Pam (Karel) Peters, Rev. Dr. Bob and Amy (Peterson) Karel; grandchildren, Brad Peters, Rebekah (Karel) and Zach Groenendal, Jordan and Kenzie (Kunst) Karel; great-grandson, Artie Peters; his sister and brother-in-law, Sherri (Karel) and Neil Burmania; and several loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn (Karel) and Rev. Henry Van Wyk. 

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW with  Rev. Kathy Bartels officiating. Burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Thursday from 1-2 pm at the funeral home prior to the service. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Orchard Hill Church Benevolent Fund.