Robert James Kennedy, 68, of Farmington, Iowa, passed away at 6:53 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2022, at Graham Hospital in Canton, Illinois.
He was born on July 6, 1953, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Lewis and Mildred G. (Hedden) Kennedy. On November 22, 1975, he married Cynthia Marie Peitz at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in West Point, Iowa.
He is survived by his wife Cindy; four children: Jenny (Scott) Batten, Jody (Brian) Black, Jonie (Tony Howard) Kennedy and Jessie Kennedy; grandchildren; Tyler and Bailey Batten, Haley and Tanner Black, Dyllon (Jessica) Howard, Jade (Jared) Beary and Molly and Tommy Johnson; four great grandchildren and one on the way; brothers: William Kennedy and Doug (Melissa) Kennedy; mother-in-law: Myrtle Peitz; sisters and brothers-in-law: Diane (Dick) Jennings, Dan (Karen) Peitz, Randy (Pam) Peitz, Mark Peitz, Alan (Monica) Peitz, Dave (Lori) Peitz, Doug (Deanna) Peitz and Susan (Rob) Gruener. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law: Richard Peitz.
Bob was a graduate of Central Lee High School. He was a lifetime farmer, he hauled livestock and enjoyed driving a school bus for the Harmony School System for many years. He was member of St. Boniface Catholic Church in Farmington and the Donnellson Saddle Club. Bob enjoyed riding horses, watching rodeos, coon hunting, playing cards, spending time with family and telling jokes. He never met a stranger. Bob was very proud of having four daughters.
Friends may call after 12:00 noon, Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at Schmitz Funeral Home in Farmington, where the family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. that evening. A parish rosary will be recited at 6:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2022, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Farmington with Father Dennis Hoffman as celebrant.
Burial will be at Sharon Cemetery in rural Farmington, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in his memory for the Farmington EMT’s, Bonaparte Fire and Rescue or the Farmington Fire Station.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com. Schmitz Funeral Home of Farmington is assisting the family with arrangements.
