Keith David Kennell

Keith David Kennell, 64, of Lowpoint, IL took his last breath on earth and his first breath in heaven at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 13, 2025.  Surrounded by his wife and family, he passed away from complications of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Keith was born on October 2, 1960, in Peoria, IL to Robert L. and Evelyn M. (Zoss) Kennell of rural Roanoke, IL.  He married Kathleen F. Eberly, daughter of Dr. Wain B. and Anna Viola (Horst) Eberly, on October 25, 1980, in Berlin, Ohio.  She passed away in 2001.

Keith married another wonderful woman when he wed Kelly L. Miller, daughter of Richard and Pauline "Jo" (Ackerman) Miller of Washington, IL on June 11, 2005.  She survives.  Also surviving is his son Derrek (Kelly A.) Kennell of Metamora, IL; his daughter Andrea (David) Orozco of Houston, TX; five beloved grandchildren; and three siblings, Ron (Arlene) Kennell of Roanoke, Joyce (Roger) Ulrich of Metamora, and Darryl (Rhoda) Kennell of Roanoke. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, and one niece.  Keith accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and then publicly declared his faith in Christ through water baptism on September 21, 1975 at Linn Mennonite Church.  For nearly 35 years, he was a faithful member of Cazenovia Mennonite Church, serving as a trustee and elder.

Keith loved the Lord, his family, his friends and his farm.  Whether he was singing, playing sports, farming or installing drainage tile, he always gave his full effort.  When ALS prevented him from singing and participating in many activities, he enjoyed watching sports and NASCAR races on television, listening to gospel and country songs on YouTube and CDs, visiting with family and friends at home or on the phone and solving the Wordle and other New York Times puzzles on his IPad every morning with Kelly.  He was very thankful for the many prayers, cards, visits, and phone calls he received from family and friends after his ALS diagnosis in February of 2025.

Using an electric lift attached to his combine ladder, Keith was able to get up into the cab to harvest corn for several hours on Friday.  On Saturday morning he never woke up from a nap and passed away peacefully while receiving comfort care at OSF in Peoria.  The family is so grateful that the Lord provided Keith the strength he needed to participate in one last harvest.

Keith leaves behind a life well lived and a harvest of memories that will never fade away.  He was a faithful husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed.

Funeral visitation will be held at the Cazenovia Mennonite Church from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025. Funeral services will also be held at the Cazenovia Mennonite Church at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025 with Pastors Dennis Kennell and Matt Kennell presiding.  Burial will be in Stewart Harmony Cemetery in Metamora, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Cazenovia Mennonite Church in support of Global Disciples International.  Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Cazenovia Mennonite Church
1080 County Road 1800 N, Cazenovia IL 61545