Robert Nicholas Kenney, age 55, of Fennimore, WI passed away at University of Wisconsin Hospital - Carbone Cancer Center on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, surrounded by his beloved family.
Robert was born on September 6, 1965, in Lancaster, WI, the son of Thomas and Elaine (Roerig) Kenney. He was the youngest of eight kids, but never got lost in the shuffle. Instead, he became the linchpin between two generations: a beloved brother and the favorite uncle.
Robert graduated from Fennimore High School in 1984, where he played football, basketball, and golf. Robert was driven; he loved to compete at a high level and valued his friendships with both classmates and teammates. On paper, Robert should have been average, but he didn’t believe in average. He was 5’10”, but that didn’t stop him from receiving All Conference, Captain, and MVP honors multiple times. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from UW-La Crosse in 1991. He was a Phy. Ed. teacher before getting involved in lighting sales, most recently with EMC (Energy Management Consultants) in Fennimore. Over the years, Robert demonstrated great passion, motivation, and determination and was able turn business relationships into everlasting friendships—despite his inability to spell.
He was involved with many community organizations, most involving youth. He coached youth football, basketball, and baseball for many years, along with being a “Dance Dad.” He was very active in the Fennimore United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday school and Confirmation teacher/mentor. Robert lived each day with enthusiasm and felt truly blessed by the Lord.
Robert was a season ticket holder for Wisconsin Badgers football, basketball, and volleyball. He also enjoyed Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewers games (and Cubs games when required by T.J. and Tess). He was an avid golfer and also had a newfound interest in pickleball. He had a way of winning hearts and changing minds. He had strong opinions, but would also listen to yours and nod along. He was not the center of attention, but always the life of the party. The Kenney family has been singing Don McLean’s “American Pie” every night for thirty-five years, despite its 8:36 length. Robert dedicated his adult life to his kids, and they were his true light of his life. He was their biggest (and loudest) fan. Robert was a loving, charismatic, fun guy who loved to dance. His devotion to his family, faith and community will be forever cherished.
Robert is survived by his “4 blessings,” Thomas John “T.J.” of Ames, IA, Sarah-Kate of Milwaukee, Mark “Max” and Tess, with their mother, Amy Kenney of Fennimore; six siblings, Diane (Greg) Huza of Phelps, WI, Tom (Kathryn) Kenney of Fennimore, Phyllis (Gary) Ellis of Rewey, WI, Mary (Alan) Northouse of Monona WI, Susan (Jose) Ibarrola of Omaha, NE and John (Carla) Kenney of Boca Raton, FL; brother-in-law Gary (Sue) Fry of Oregon, WI; 20 nieces and nephews; 45 great-nieces and nephews; special friend Wendy Cox-Madsen of Fennimore; her daughter, Angelysse Madsen of Chicago, IL and his faithful four-legged friend, Kit.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents and oldest sister, Patricia Fry.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, March 22, 2021, at the Fennimore United Methodist Church in Fennimore, WI, with burial to follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Fennimore. The Fennimore United Methodist Church will be live-streaming the funeral service on their Facebook page. Due to capacity limitations, friends are encouraged to gather in small groups and watch online.
A visitation will be held from 3-7:00 P.M. on Sunday March 21, 2021, also at the Fennimore United Methodist Church in Fennimore and again from 10:00 A.M. until time of service at the church on Monday morning. The wearing of masks will be required. In lieu of plants and flowers, a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of Robert Kenney. Memorials may be sent to the Larson Family Funeral Home at 925 10th St. Fennimore, WI 53809 or online condolences may be made at www.larsonfuneralhomes.com. Thanks also to the Fennimore Rescue Squad, Grant Regional Health Center and Finley Hospital in Dubuque, IA.