ASHTON — Donald D. Kennay, age 98, passed away peacefully at his home Friday, October 11, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.  He was born on October 5, 1926 in Amboy, IL, the son of Dewey and Elsie (Schrader) Kennay. Don married Rita May Vock March 17, 1951 and she preceded him in death November 1, 1990. Don later married Bertha Allen on December 28, 1996. 

Don was a lifetime farmer, who exemplified the meaning of hard work. He had a love for everything red, from tractors to Ford pickups. Don worked hard in order to play hard; he enjoyed hunting, bowling, golfing and playing cards. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, over 50 year member of the Masons and an active Shriner parade participant.

Don was known for his infectious grin, which often was accompanied by a few happy tears, and his “dear heart”. His charming personality allowed him to make friends wherever he went and often persuaded people to see things his way.

Don spent countless hours farming to provide for his partner, Rita and his family whom he loved dearly. As his children stated, “no one worked harder than dad.” Don and Rita were an extraordinary team that truly built a life to be proud of. All five children followed in their father’s footsteps and incorporated farming into their lives, maintaining the Kennay legacy.

One of Don’s greatest joys was watching his grandchildren succeed. He was an ever-present figure in each one of their lives, attending sporting events, FFA banquets, band/chorus concerts, and dance recitals. All of his grandchildren will cherish their fond memories of combine rides during harvest with grandpa.

In his later years, Don and Bertha enjoyed short day trips, gambling, and solving Wheel of Fortune puzzles together.

Don is preceded in death by his wife, Rita; son, John Kennay; granddaughter, Lisa Kennay: two sisters: Mary Distin and Vivian Reed; and two step-children: Dennis and Diane Allen.

Don is survived by his four children: Ron (Mardelle) Kennay of Oregon, Don (Beverly) Kennay of Ashton, Rick (Doris) Kennay of Ashton, and Joan (Mike) Pfeiffer of Ashton; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Kennay of Ashton; one brother, Jim (Judy) Kennay of Rockford; eleven grandchildren: Adam (Sarah) Kennay, Jeremy (Sheri) Kennay, Jessica (Adam) Wolf, Amy (Jason) Wombacher, Shary Hahn, Jason (Stephanie) Kennay, Kaleb (Jubilee) Kennay, Aubrey (Evan) Quinn, Grace (Collin) Link, Tyler Pfeiffer, Taryn (Adam) Almburg and 19 great grandchildren.

Don is also survived by his wife, Bertha Allen Kennay; step-daughter, Carol (Timothy) Saffert; daughter-in-law, Pam Allen; five grandchildren: Matthew (Jason) Saffert, Daniel (Emily) Saffert, Michael (Sara) Allen, Gary (Angie) Allen, Casey (Mark) Yohnk, and five great grandchildren.

Don was a caring, supportive husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. We will all miss hearing “thanks for stopping by” at the end of every visit.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6 th Street, Rochelle. A Masonic service will conclude the visitation on Wednesday at 8 PM.  An additional visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17 from 9:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. prior to the funeral service at the church. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 17 at 10:30 A.M. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 803 Paddock Ave., Ashton with Pastor Joan Scheffler officiating. Interment will be held at the Ashton Cemetery with military honors provided by the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard and the US Air Force Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Serenity Hospice and Home.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online. guest book.