Kean E. Robinson

Kean E. Robinson, 92, of Brookston, Indiana, passed away in the early morning light on Monday, February 19, 2024, in the warm comfort of his beloved home. He was born September 26, 1931, in Lafayette, Indiana, to his parents, the late Clarence Robinson and Mary Ferguson Robinson.

Kean grew up with his many siblings on a farm south of Brookston. He was a 1949 graduate of Brookston High School. He also served in the Army, based in Stuttgart, Germany, as a Signal Corp member during the Korean conflict. He was a lifelong farmer, working alongside his father and two brothers, Bob and Gwin. 

At an Indiana Rural Youth social event, he met the love of his life, Carolyn J. Probasco of West Point, Indiana. They married on June 9, 1957, at the Jackson Heights Methodist Church.

Kean was a big supporter of his local community. He made the daily morning trip into town to have breakfast at his usual table at J&J’s Roadhouse. A lot of important things were discussed at breakfast. It was his duty to make sure all was good in the town of Brookston. He was a member of the Brookston Lions Club, the American Legion Post 251, and the Brookston United Methodist Church.

Dad was a loving, devoted family man and avid supporter of his four children. He would dash from the fields to cheer from the stands for football and basketball games, band performances, play performances, and dance recitals. Our many 4-H projects were successful due to his clever know-how in fixing, building, refinishing, or painting a project. Many project ideas started with something he dragged out of the barn. He was the key source of motivation when progress wasn’t up to Mom’s expectations. Boy, he sure knew how to get uncooperative kids motivated!

Kean was a fisherman. He loved his annual trip to Lake Nipigon, Ontario, Canada, to rough camp, and we mean rough camp at Kings Landing on Gull Bay. This traditional adventure started in 1969 as an outing for men only. Then, it became the family summer trip that extended invitations to over 50 additional fishermen, including cousins, friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, and many brave souls from the Brookston community. The trip followed a strict itinerary. The first stop was breakfast at the Baby Bull restaurant in Pontiac, IL, supper later at Perkins Pancake House in Superior, WI, and a night's stay at the Super 8 in Grand Marais, MN. Many great stories and coolers full of walleye and northern pike came home in the smelly old camper. 

Kean loved and supported his Purdue Boilermakers. He and Carolyn were season ticket holders of football and basketball for nearly 40 years, traveling to many bowl games and tournaments. Kean and Carolyn were avid bridge players, participating in local tournaments and get-togethers with good friends. 

He is preceded in death by his lovely wife, Carolyn, brothers Robert and Gwin, sisters Frances, Joan, and June, and four other siblings who passed away in early childhood. 

He is survived by his sister Meredith Ann Cox of Indianapolis, and his four children: Kristi (Bill) Rensberger of Chesterton, IN, Mike (Kelli) Robinson of Osceola, IN, Kim Robinson of Brookston, and Marc (Alice) Robinson of Albion, IN.  

Seven grandchildren Mitchell (Alice) Robinson, Jenna (Isaac) Smith, Jonathan (Sariah) Rensberger, Billy Rensberger, Zackary (Melissa) Robinson, Alyson (Morgan) Bell, and Nathan Robinson. Six great-grandchildren: Libby, Wilson, Calvin, Graham, Ruby, and Jackson, with one on the way. And many nieces and nephews who will miss Uncle Kean.

We are so ever grateful to the wonderful staff at IU Arnett Hospital, IU Hospice Care, and Westminster Village. A big thank you goes to the staff at Brightstar Care for the loving care and comfort they provided for Dad at home. We greatly appreciate your willingness and humor in making Dad his favorite pickle and peanut butter sandwiches. Not forgetting the mayonnaise and making sure there was “a pickle in every bite.” 

Family and friends can join us as we celebrate Dad on Saturday, February 24, from 11 a.m. until the time of funeral service 1 p.m. at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home in Brookston. Followed by gravesite service at the Brookston Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brookston American Legion Post 251 or the Brookston First Response Team.