But, he realizes he is one of a dwindling number of enthusiasts who have kept Don’s Hobby in business.

“There’s not too many of us train nuts left anymore,” Keltjen said.

Korrie said competition from Hobby Lobby and Michaels, particularly for art supplies, cut into business.

There are also fewer hobbyists. “We even saw our craft business drop when the casinos started becoming popular,” Carol said. “The older ladies weren’t doing crafts. They were heading to the casino.”

They tried various strategies over the years, from opening a temporary holiday store in River Hills Mall to hosting a summer arts festival in their parking lot. (They don’t know if anyone will pick up hosting the arts festival, which originated outside The Coffee Hag in Old Town.)

They looked at moving the business to a higher-profile area but said the profit margins couldn’t cover the higher costs of a hilltop location. They own the building they are in and will lease or sell it.

Carol, wiping some tears as she talked about the decision, said there was just no way to fight the tide against them.

It’s a problem in the industry across the country. From 2000 to 2005, the number of family-owned hobby stores in the country dropped by nearly half, from 15,000 to 8,000.

The Pasbrigs, in their mid-40s, say they have no idea what they’ll do next. “It’s going to be a major shift in our lives,” Korrie said. “If anyone’s looking for some good employees, we’re available.”