Robert E. Kennedy

Robert E. Kennedy, 81, of Clear Lake, passed away on Friday, Feb. 14, 2014 at his home.  Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014 at Grace Evangelical Free Church, Mason City, with Pastor John Tank of Harvest Bible Chapel officiating.  Interment took place in Memorial Park Cemetery.  

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.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com. 

Robert Earl Kennedy was born Aug. 23, 1932 in Burchinal, Iowa, the son of John L. and Grace (Barrick) Kennedy.  He attended ninth and 10th grade in Clear Lake and graduated from Fertile High School in Fertile, Iowa, in 1950.  Robert enjoyed farming with his dad and also worked at American Crystal Sugar.  Robert married Carol Warner on Feb. 24, 1968 in Manly, Iowa.  To this union, two daughters were born, Cherie RaNae and Jodie Lynn.  The family moved to Renville, Minn., 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, Robert enjoyed camping with family and 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, Iowa, and Jodie (Pete) Longman, of Pierre, S.D.; 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 sisters-in-law, JoAnna (Kevin) Lien, of Hanlontown, Iowa, and Cathy (Paul) Burtness, of Mason City; a brother-in-law, Larry (Vicki) Warner, of Mason City; a mother-in-law, Joy Warner; 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.

  Arrangements were with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, Mason City.