Jules "Gene" Kennett

Jules "Gene" Kennett of Petersburg, Illinois, relinquished this world on Saturday, November 23,
2024. After 96 years of outsmarting Death, he is off riding with the bad boys once more. He was
born in the family home on October 8, 1928, in Harvey, Illinois, to Beulah (Stanton) and Jewel
Kennett. He was the oldest of 11 children and never let them forget it. He finished just enough
schooling to be dangerous before he dropped out to help feed the family, working as a farm
hand before enlisting in the Navy (1950-1954). He unflinchingly served his country during the
Korean War and always had a story to prove it. He returned home and married the love of his
life, Pauline Bolinger, on August 4, 1956, in Springfield, Illinois.
Gene was a beloved member of the Athens Christian Church where he freely gave his time and
love to all who entered. In his younger years he was a talented plasterer, helping in the
construction of Casa Bonita in Colorado. He then worked for the Sweet Water Elevator (RCM
Co-op) in Greenview, Illinois. After retirement, he proudly served his community through the
Menard County EMS and Rescue Squad alongside his daughter Tracy. He was an avid
fisherman and outdoorsman, spending hours in appreciation of all the colors nature provides.
He loved watching NASCAR and the Denver Broncos play with his sons. He loved every dog he
ever met and once he won the lottery, his dream was to open an animal rescue with his
granddaughter Caitlin. He loved his family, his country, and his God above all else.
Gene is survived by his children: Tracy Lynn Kennett, Kevin Stanton Kennett, and Cody (wife
Amy) Kennett; his grandchildren: Angie (husband Kainan) Rinaberger, Ian Winterbauer, Caitlin
(partner Cassidy Phillips) Winterbauer, Courtney Kennett, Colton Kennett, Jayden Kennett, and
Jaxsen Kennett; his great-grandchildren: Chloe Rinaberger, Kai Rinaberger, and Daxton
Rinaberger, and Indrid Winterbauer; his siblings: Jim Kennett, Bruce Kennett, and Sharon
Faulkner; and his grand-dogs: Angus and Harley.
Waiting to greet him was his wife, Pauline; his daughter Michele Ann Kennett; siblings Bill
Kennett, Dick Kennett, Donnie Kennett, Danny Kennett, Kathy Kennett, Barbara Randall, and
June Lamsargis; his dogs, Pooh and Shiloh; and too many friends to count.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the Athens Christian Church from 9:00 am to 10:00 am followed by a memorial service. Internment will follow the service at 1:00 pm at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois.
Memorial donations may be made to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.
Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting Gene's family with arrangements.