Family reacts to Grand Haven shooting

Sat, Jul 5, 2008    to del.icio.us

Bob Karell will be remembered as a trustworthy Grand Haven business owner and a dedicated family man, who was constantly in a jovial mood.

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"Every day for him was an opportunity to have some fun," said Ryan Karell, Bob's son. "He had a kid-like spirit, and — for better or for worse — he was always joking around."

Karell had five grandchildren and five children. Less than a week before his sixth grandchild was to be born, the 61-year-old business owner and one of his customers were shot in the back of the head at R.K. Jewelers, 124 Washington Ave.

Ryan said the customer, Louis Paparella, 77, came to the store Wednesday to pick up several rare coins. Bob Karell's daughter, Stacey Karell, was out picking up cinnamon coffee when the two men were shot, Ryan said. She called the police after finding her father on the ground.

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The investigation is ongoing, and police said the perpetrators are still at large.

The family has received an outpouring of support from the community, including meals, phone calls, cards and a make-shift memorial in front of the jewelry store. But Ryan Karell said only one thing can truly bring closure.

"The thing that could help is a tip to the police," he said. "That's the only thing that could help right now — to find the people who did this."

Any information on the incident should be reported to the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety at
842-3460, or to Silent Observer at 842-1400.

While the Karell family desires to learn who killed their father and why, they said Bob Karell should be remembered for his life, not his unfortunate ending.

"He was a kind-hearted, generous man," said Linda Karell, Bob's wife. "He was just a good man. He was a fun-loving individual, and he cared about his family."

Karell grew up in Grand Haven, and Ryan said in the 1960s his father was one of the first people to cruise down Harbor Drive, which has since become a popular activity for young drivers.

"He loved the downtown and the boardwalk area, that was his hangout when he was a kid," Ryan said.

More recently, Karell's enjoyed surfing on Lake Michigan, smoking nice cigars and walking his dog, Cole, around Grand Haven.

Cole, a Norwegian elkhound, basically lived at the jewelry store, and was there when his master was shot, Ryan said. The dog is now being cared for by family members.

Bob Karell has also been helping to take care of his mother, Joan, since his father, Joe, died more than a year ago, Ryan said.

"She's completely devastated by it," he said.

R.K. Jewelers has only had one other break-in in its 29-year history. Someone stole more than $10,000 worth of goods, but that was before the store relocated from 603 Washington Ave. to its current location in 1993, Ryan said.

He said Karell had a security system and large safe at 124 Washington Ave., and employees always felt secure in the family-operated store.

"(The business) was an extension of him," Ryan said. "He just felt safe. He didn't feel like there's any reason to worry."

The store will remain closed until the Michigan State Police determines it no longer needs the building for its investigation, according to Lt. Mark Reiss, Grand Haven Department of Public Safety.

Autopsies were completed Thursday, but results aren't yet being released, Reiss said.

Detectives and store employees have not yet taken an inventory to determine if anything is missing, police said. Ryan said the family hasn't decided what will happen to the business.

Klaassen Family Funeral Home is making funeral arrangements which are expected to be announced Monday. Ryan said there may be a memorial service at the Grand Haven City Beach.

"He wasn't particularly religious," Ryan said. "But he loved this town, and he loved the beach."

Tribune reporter Becky Vargo contributed to this report.