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KENNETH KENNARD Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for KENNETH KENNARD
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3 Entries
Nathan Lutz
March 18, 2016
I followed Dr Kennard to ISU when I learned he had been a professor at Wheaton College before becoming an agnostic. Probably more than a little arrogant, I decided to test my faith under the tiutilage of someone who once believed as I did but then concluded God was unlikely.
During a course on Kierkegaard, Dr Kennard challenged us, his students (and later me in private) that our faith was little more than a Kierkegaardian leap of faith - we could not prove the existence of God; He was only a matter of probability.
I became deeply troubled and sought counsel from many wiser than I ... to no avail I admit.
One evening, deep in thought, I took refuge out on a balcony on top of the 28 story Waterson Towers where I lived. There I struggled with "God" as I thought I knew Him. Suddenly an older gentleman stood next to me. I don't know where he came from nor how he was allowed on top of this dorm tower, only for students. But there he was and ... somehow he knew I was struggling with things deep in my heart. Stranger still, he offered to help me, and I was ready to talk.
I remember little of what he said to me but his words answered my gnawing doubts. I descended the tower convinced it would take a MUCH larger Kierkegaardian leap of faith to believe their was no God and that the Universe was an unexplainable product of non-existent time and un-created matter.
I am grateful to Dr Kennard for challenging my faith. I am eternally grateful to God for sending that 'man' to answer my doubts.
44 years later I returned to the towers, where I now sit in my car reflecting ... and blogging my thoughts. What a difference these past years have been, walking not in the despair of doubt but in the joy of knowing Jesus, God come to make Himself known.
Thank you Dr Kennard
Harry Deutsch
February 27, 2014
Ken was my friend and mentor from the time I arrived on the faculty at ISU to the time he retired. I have many fond memories of him.
Jim & Laurie Swindler
February 18, 2014
We will miss Ken's quiet wisdom and good humor. He was a dear, sweet man, unassuming, kind and optimistic. He built a lasting legacy at Illinois State.
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