Earl John Kennebeck

Born: Feb. 26, 1929; in McHenry

Died: May 17, 2008; in Crystal Lake



McHENRY - Earl John Kennebeck, a special child adult, 79, died Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Crystal Pines Senior Care Center in Crystal Lake after a short illness.

He was born Feb. 26, 1929, in McHenry.

His parents were Christina (Peter M. Freund) Kennebeck, who died in 1986, and Ben M. Kennebeck, who died in 1970. Two sisters, Betty Lou and Marie, each died at birth.

For most of his life, he lived with his parents, first on various McHenry-area farms, and later at the family bungalow on Route 120 east of the city. Upon his mother's death, he learned to largely care for himself and his dog, Muffin. When this became too difficult, the family residence was sold and he lived at McHenry Villa. When more care was necessary, he completed his life at Crystal Pines.

During the past 22 years, four cousins facilitated care for him. They were Marie (Justen) Martin, who is deceased; Doris (Bauer) Andreas; Carol Jean (Freund) Smith; and Don Bauer. Longtime friends of the family Victor and Olga Taylor (both deceased) also were part of his daily routine. Duane Andreas is guardian of the estate, which currently is the longest standing guardianship in McHenry County.

Earlier in his life, Earl assisted his dad in the lawn-care business mainly for summer homes along the Fox and Pistakee Bay, originally mowing about 45 lawns with hand mowers. Later they bought a John Deere tractor, which he drove with pride. He attended St. Mary's Catholic School for early elementary education, a special school in Dixon, and later was affiliated with Pioneer Center. A highlight of the week was going to dances and playing his guitar.

Talking about the "good old days" was a special joy for him, and he could name the occupants of most of the old farmsteads in the rural McHenry area, as well as tell stories from old McHenry business establishments. Pin setting at the Palace Bowl was a memory he would share.

He lived a simple life, couldn't read or write, but was taught to be helpful, caring, respectful and honorable. In his later years, he would ride the PACE bus to the township center, and there he would assist in the preparation of Meals on Wheels. Everyone knew him, and they all were his friends.

The funeral will be at noon Thursday, May 22, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in McHenry.

Inurnment will be in St. Mary Cemetery.

For information, call Colonial Funeral Home in McHenry at 815-385-0063.

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