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.

Jules "Gene" Kennett

October 8, 1928 - November 23, 2024

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