F. Robert Kennedy (79) of Effingham

F. Robert “Bob” Kennedy, 79, of Effingham, Illinois passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at Carle Hospital in Urbana, surrounded by his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am Thursday, December 29 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3-7 pm Wednesday at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorial donations may be given to Lake Sara Forever or MyMemoryWorx/Parkinson's for Peace and will be accepted at the funeral home. 

Bob was born September 25, 1943 in Tell City, Indiana, the son of Robert and Francis (Evrard) Kennedy. He married Janet July 16, 1977. Bob worked for CIPS and Ameren. 

During his career, he became plant manager for The Grand Tower and Newton Power Stations. After his retirement, Bob was involved in many local committees and activities.  He was a Vice President of the Lake Sara Area Water Co-op, a member of the Effingham Water Authority Parks and Rec Committee, and a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener. He enjoyed classic rock music, motorcycles, and working on cars.  As a young man, he drove in many drag races. He loved boat rides on Lake Sara, being with the Wednesday night Flotilla group and having people stop by the boat dock for a visit. However, his greatest love was for his family and being with them.

Bob is survived by his wife, Janet of Effingham; daughters, Laura and Julie, both of St. Charles, Missouri; sisters, Mary Grib of Wentzville, Missouri and Brenda (Mark) Klinkerman of Eureka, Missouri; many nieces and nephews. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bobby and brother-in-law, John Grib.