Robert E. Kennedy

Robert E. Kennedy, 81, of Clear Lake, IA, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2014, at his home. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 440 N Illinois Ave, Mason City, IA, with Pastor John Tank of Harvest Bible Chapel officiating. Interment will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Monday, February 17, 2014, at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City. Memorials may be directed to the Robert Kennedy memorial fund in care of the family at 808 3rd Ave S Apt 1, Clear Lake, IA 50428. Robert Earl Kennedy was born August 23, 1932, in Burchinal, IA, the son of John L. and Grace (Barrick) Kennedy. He attended 9th and 10th grade in Clear Lake and graduated from Fertile High School in Fertile, IA in 1950. Robert enjoyed farming with his dad and also worked at American Crystal Sugar. Robert married Carol Warner on February 24, 1968, in Manly, IA. To this union, two daughters were born: Cherie RaNae and Jodie Lynn. The family moved to Renville, MN in 1975, where Robert worked for the Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative. He retired in 1994 and he and Carol then returned to the Mason City/Clear Lake area. During the time they lived in Renville, MN, Robert enjoyed camping with family & friends, woodworking and making crafts with Carol – which they liked giving to others. He was a member of the Renville Lion’s Club. Robert was a regular attender of Harvest Bible Chapel. He served on the Board of trustees for the Pioneer Museum, was a member of: the Evening Lions Club, the Clear Lake Senior Center and the North Iowa Vision Support Group. He enjoyed going to auctions, collecting toy semi-trucks, old toys, and many other unique items. He often spent his time volunteering in the community and meeting with many coffee time groups including the hearing impaired coffee group at the Backyard Deli. After losing the majority of his eyesight, Robert spent many hours listening to audio books. Most of all, Robert enjoyed spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren grow. He would look forward to family events and spending time visiting with his girls. Robert had a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh. He will be deeply missed. Robert is survived by his wife of almost 46 years: Carol Kennedy of Clear Lake, two daughters: Cherie (Steve) Schemm of Pella, IA and Jodie (Pete) Longman of Pierre, SD; six grandchildren: Michael, David, Luke, and Jacob Schemm and Brenna and Max Longman; one brother: Melvin (Linda) Kennedy of Burchinal; two sisters: Delores Klang and Dorothy (Don) Nichols, both of Clear Lake; two sister-in-laws JoAnna (Kevin) Lien of Hanlontown and Cathy (Paul) Burtness of Mason City; a brother-in-law: Larry (Vicki) Warner of Mason City; a mother-in-law: Joy Warner; and many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters: Mildred Bates and Betty Hegney. The family would like to thank Iowa Hospice for the care and support they showed Robert and Carol over the past year. They would also like to thank Dr. Floden for her many years of care and concern for Robert.

Memorials may be directed to the Robert Kennedy memorial fund in care of the family at 808 3rd Ave S Apt 1, Clear Lake, IA 50428.