Charles Robben

Charles Robben

October 18, 1935 — March 18, 2026

Charles Fredrick Robben, 90, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Sheridan County Long Term Care Unit in Hoxie, Kansas. He was born on October 18, 1935, at the family home down on the creek north of Grinnell, Kansas, to Fred and Leona (Kamphaus) Robben.

Charlie was the oldest of five siblings.

He was a 1953 graduate of Grinnell High School and enlisted in the Navy in 1955, where he worked as an airplane mechanic while stationed in Japan and Guam. He was also a proud member of the Third Degree, Angelus Knights of Columbus.

Charlie met the love of his life, Beatta Maurath, at a dance in Angelus at the Knights of Columbus Hall. They were married in February of 1965 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Oakley, Kansas. A year later they welcomed their only child, Doug, into the world. Charlie and Doug would work the family farm together for many years to come.

Charlie was a simple man, focused on God, his family, and his work on the farm. He took pride in making sure the farmstead was always meticulously neat and trimmed up. His family joked that surely he’d die with a trimmer in his hands! His three grandchildren held a special place in his heart. He and Beatta loved going to all of their sports events and were proud of all of their accomplishments.

It wasn’t uncommon in the summer months to hear Royals baseball games blaring from Charlie’s tractor radio. He loved his baseball and watching or listening to KU basketball games. In his later years, Beatta was able to lure him away from the farm for a few quick trips to Branson, Missouri, where they tried to catch as many country music variety shows as they could! Another love of Charlie’s was eating. His wife, Beatta, spoiled him rotten with her amazing cooking! He never seemed to fill up, always looking for something to snack on, which was also an endearing habit during his 2 ½ years at the Long Term Care in Hoxie. The staff always knew if they saw Charlie wandering the halls, he was likely looking for food! Charlie will be remembered by many for his teasing sense of humor, wide toothy smile, and infectious laughter.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Beatta, parents, Fred and Leona, and brothers Rodger and Gary. He is survived by his son, Doug (Kim), sisters, Marilyn Geerdes and JoAnn Dickman (Ben), three grandchildren, Sean, Samantha, and Nicholas, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m. with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church, Angelus. The Funeral Mass is at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, also at St. Paul Catholic Church with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Parish Restoration Project and mailed in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com