Kevin Robel

Kevin Ray Robel, age 52 of Manhattan, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

He was born on February 18, 1972, in Manhattan, the son of Raydon and Barbara (Swinney) Robel.  He graduated from Riley County High School and Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design.

Kevin was a design perfectionist and master illustrator.   He worked for Schurle Signs, Ballard’s Sporting Goods, and N Zone Sportswear before starting his own company, Robel Graphics in 2003.  In 2019 he combined his professional services with Katalyst Sign & Grafix, where he liked the new challenges and loved the comradery with his boss and co-workers.   Art and design were Kevin’s gifts and many businesses and organizations benefited from his talents.  He also shared his love of K-State by creating fun memes on social media, posters incorporating the Powercat, and drawings just for the fun of it.

A fountain of knowledge, Kevin thoroughly enjoyed time with friends at Trivia League nights.  He was passionate about his hobbies and loved to share them with others.   He could talk endlessly about music, sports, movies, and his prized ink pen collection.  Kevin found happiness in making others laugh with his silly antics and comedic impressions and was the “Super Fun Uncle” to his nieces and nephews.   His artistic talent combined with his humor made a special combination that delighted and entertained friends and family.

Kevin was a member of the Sedalia Community Church, Theta XI Fraternity and a lifetime member of the K-State Alumni Association.

He is survived by his twin sister, Kerry Thurlow and husband Matt of Leonardville; his older sister, Kristi Roesch of Auburn, Nebraska; and his nieces and nephews, Wyatt Thurlow, Kylee Thurlow, Reagan Roesch and Laura Roesch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raydon and Barbara Robel.

Memorial services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the Sedalia Community Church with Pastor Kevin Larson officiating.

Immediately after the service, at the Sedalia Annex, Kerry and Kristi welcome friends and family to celebrate Kevin and to share their memories. Wear your jeans and favorite purple shirt, just like we all know Kevin would do!

A memorial may be made to the Kevin Robel Memorial Fund, to be determined at a later date.  Contributions may be left in the care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.