Charles G. Robinson

February 18, 1931
April 29, 2021

Age 90

Life story

"Charles Glynn Robinson, 90, completed his earthly journey and went home to the Lord on April 29, 2021. Charles Pete Robinson passed away in his home with his loving wife at his side. Charles was born February 18, 1931 in Rock Falls, the son of Charles V. and Cora Isabel Robinson. Charles Pete graduated from Rock Falls High School and earned multiple honors over his life. Charles married his high school sweet heart, Erma Schutt on January 13, 1950 and they spent 72 years together calling Sterling home, while they traveled the world. Charles was a consultant to the steel industry operating his own consulting firm prior to retirement. He held a senior position at SGL Carbon in Niagara Falls, heralded as one of the world\'s leading high powered electrical furnace experts. His career led him over the world, consulting and designing the production of steel. He was presented the W.B. Wallis Award, the highest honor of the Electric Melting Guild, of which members only vote on the honor to be awarded. Members from the United Kingdom and Canada were present for the award presentation. Selection was based on the design, engineering and operation of Ultra High Powered electric arc furnaces. This concept was invented by Robinson and used throughout the world in steel operations. Charles was CEO of Lectromelt Corp and also retired from Northwestern Steel and Wire as the Vice President in charge of Operations for 33 years. Charles was mentored by Paul Washington Dillon for most of his career at Northwestern Steel and Wire. Robinson was a member of the American Iron and Steel Institute, Iron and Steel Engineers, American Welding Society, American Institute of Electrical Engineers and UIE European Electrical Thermics. Charles was a self taught man, with a great gift of thought and innovation, contributing, writing, and owning over 16 patents. His thirst for knowledge was and will be shared by his family and friends through-out the world. Charles was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Sterling. He was a thirty-first degree Mason. He enjoyed golf, reading, and research up to the day he passed. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His sense of humor and dedication to his family was unwavering. He is survived by his wife Erma, four daughters; Debbie (Mike) Oliver of Logan, Utah, Cheryl (Ricke) Clark of Central City, Iowa, Roxann Robinson of Punta Gorda, Florida, and Kim (Dan) Gaffey of Sterling, Illinois. He has 9 grandchildren, Haley Prehm, Dylan Lindberg, Tina Stahl, Clayton Stahl, Judith(Lee) Lanfare, Kye (Mary) Gaffey, Brent (Sira) Gaffey, Kody (Lauren Wills) Gaffey, Kate (John Farrell) Steeby-Gaffey, and Abby (Justin) Bilderback: 17 Great grandchildren; Haley, Dylan, Olivia, Reece, Ethan ,Sesily, Jettus, Cael, Sammi, Isabella, Owen, Evalyn, Vilde, Charlie, Jamieson, Carson. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Carol Ann Robinson Lutz. Masks and social distancing requirements will in place to allow for a public visitation on Tuesday May 4, 2021 from 9:00 -10:30 AM at the McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Avenue in Rock Falls. The funeral will follow with the Reverend Scott Porter officiating. Burial will conclude at Coloma Township Cemetery in Rock Falls. A Memorial is established for Gaffey Hospice.
Masks and Social distancing requirements for visitation | Tuesday, May 04 | 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM | McDonald Funeral Home Rock Falls | 1002 12th Avenue Rock Falls, IL 61071 | Funeral Service | Tuesday, May 04 | 10:30 AM McDonald Funeral Home Rock Falls | 1002 12th Avenue Rock Falls, IL 61071"