Dr. Robert F. "Bob" Kennett, OD, 80, of Bloomington, passed away at 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at home.
His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 8, 2019 at 2nd Presbyterian Church in Bloomington with Pastor Kathy Stoner-Lasala officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 5-7:00 p.m. with a Masonic Service conducted by Bloomington Lodge #43 following at 7:00 p.m., both at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
Interment will be in Funks Grove Cemetery in McLean. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kiwanis Club of Bloomington (Camp Limberlost), Young Men's Club of Bloomington (Opportunity Fund) or the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.
Bob was born on September 18, 1938 in Carroll, IA, the son of Emery and Eva Brafford Kennett. He married Dorothy Hodges on July 19, 1959.
Surviving is his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothy Kennett of Bloomington; three sons, Steve (Kendra) of Glencoe, IL, Jon (Anne) of Wilmette, IL and Greg of San Francisco, CA; eight grandchildren, Emery, Andrew, Matt, Megan, Freddy, Audrey, Alex and Casey; sister, Marlene (Bud) Baumhover of Iowa; nieces and nephews; and a host of loving friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents.
He was raised on a farm near Lidderdale, IA. and he knew hard work and the joy of living on a farm. Bob graduated from Carroll High School and participated in many sports. Bob attended Simpson College in Indianola, IA, receiving his degree in Elementary Education. At Simpson, Bob participated in the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Upon graduation, he taught 4th grade for several years in Des Moines, IA, before Bob and Dorothy decided that obtaining an advanced degree and becoming an Optometrist would help raise their growing family.
Moving to Chicago, Bob attend Optometry school at IIT Circle. Along with going to school, Bob drove a bus on State Street and worked in the men's department at Marshall Fields during Christmas break. Upon graduation, Bob purchased an Optometry practice in Bloomington, IL and began a life-long journey of building a practice, taking care of his patients, raising his family, making friends and staying involved in his community.
Bob was involved in the Kiwanis Club of Bloomington, IL (serving as President, a District leadership role, and also enjoyed participation in Camp Limberlost, Annual Pancake Breakfasts, and Peanut Days). Bob was also a member of Young Men's Club, McLean County Optometric Society (serving as President), the Masonic Lodge, Shrine Club, and 2nd Presbyterian Church. Bob was an avid Chicago Cubs and Illinois State Redbirds fan. Providing optometric services to many of the ISU sports teams. He looked forward to attending as many football and basketball games as possible.
He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother and friend and will be greatly missed.
Online condolences and memories of Bob may be shared with the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
Visitation
FEB
7.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CST)
Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home
1104 N. Main St.
Bloomington, IL 61701
Masonic Service
FEB
7.
7:00 PM (CST)
Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home
1104 N. Main St.
Bloomington, IL 61701
Visitation
FEB
8.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CST)
Second Presbyterian Church
313 N. East St.
Bloomington, IL 61701
Funeral Service
FEB
8.
11:00 AM (CST)
Second Presbyterian Church
313 N. East St.
Bloomington, IL 61701
To
send flowers
to the family or
plant a tree
in memory of Robert "Bob" F. Kennett, please
visit our floral store.