Bob Kennedy

Bobby "Bob" Lou Kennedy, 93, of Atlantic, passed away Thursday, April 6, 2017, at Heritage House in Atlantic.

The son of Lou Alexander and Gladys Marie (Sheets) Kennedy, he was born January 21, 1924, at his parents' home north of Lewis. Bob was baptized and confirmed at the Congregational Church in Lewis. He attended rural school Washington No. 8 north of Lewis and graduated from Lewis High School with the Class of 1942. He started helping on the family farm at the age of 10 years old and continued to help after graduation.

On November 23, 1952, he was united in marriage to Valda Lorrine Frank at the Presbyterian Church in Manilla, Iowa. Two children were born to this union. In 1952, they made their home east of Lewis. Bob and Valda raised livestock and grew row crops. Bob also was an independent agricultural machinery dealer for many years selling for several different companies. In 1985, they retired from farming and made their home in Atlantic.

Bob had a passion to collect trains and steam engines in any size. After their retirement they invested in the Purple Martin Train in 1988, and moved it to Atlantic until it sold in 1995. Bob and Valda owned a 1919 Advanced Rumley Steam Tractor, and traveled all over Iowa to show it in parades and antique shows. Bob enjoyed playing cards especially if it was hearts or pitch and rarely missed coffee time with his buddies. Even though Bob was a very hard worker he always made time for his family and friends, treasuring every moment they spent together.

Bob was a member of the United Congregational Methodist Church in Lewis. He was a member of the Western Iowa Tourism Region, the Nishnabotna Ferry House, Cass County Mormon Trails, Elks and the Cass County Cattlemen's Association. He was also a member of the Lewis Booster Club where he and Valda helped plan the Lewis sesquicentennial in 2004.

Bob is survived by his wife, Valda Kennedy of Atlantic; his daughter, Marsha and husband Mark Beeman of Newbury Park, California; his son, Martin Kennedy and significant other Hillarey Voss both of Palatine, Illinois; his grandchildren, Ashley Beeman of Newbury Park, Shawna Kennedy and significant other Steven Schmitt both of Westminster, Colorado, Tara Kennedy and fiancé Frank Kryzak both of Chicago, Illinois, and Nicholas Kennedy and wife Jamie of Wonder Lake, Illinois; his great granddaughter, Kenzie Kennedy; his brother-in-law, Dr. Marlin Frank and wife Judy of Greeley, Colorado; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Phillip.

Visitation with the family present will be Wednesday evening, April 12, from six to eight p.m., at the Roland Funeral Home. Open visitation will be available at the funeral home from 8 a.m. Wednesday, until the family visitation begins.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 13, ten-thirty a.m., at the Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic with Pastor Jerry Neal officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Lewis.

The family has suggested that memorials may be given for the restoration of the Nishnabotna Ferry House in Lewis.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Bob's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

In Remembrance

Bob L. Kennedy

BORN
January 21, 1924 ~ Lewis, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
April 6, 2017 ~ Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 93 Years, 2 Months & 16 Days

FUNERAL SERVICES
10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 13, 2017
Roland Funeral Home ~ Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Pastor Jerry Neal
Lewis United Congregational Methodist Church ~ Lewis, Iowa

PIANIST
Heidi Hinman

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Amazing Grace”
“The Old Rugged Cross”
Randall Breckerbaumer

“Safe in the Arms of Jesus” recorded by Michael O’Brien


“Sounds of the Glory Machine”

CASKET BEARERS
Martin Kennedy
Mark Beeman
Nicholas Kennedy
Randy Baxter
Danny Kirchoff
Steve Nelson

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Dr. Marlin Frank
Mike Cullen
Dana Kunze
Mike Murphy
Marion Wissler
Dr. Ronald Peerbolte
Lynn Stamp
Roy Smith

INTERMENT
Oakwood Cemetery ~ Lewis, Iowa

The family has suggested that memorials may given for the
Nishnabotna Ferry House, Lewis, Iowa

Please join the family for lunch in the
United Congregational Methodist Church
fellowship hall following the service at the cemetery.