Joseph F. "Joe" Kennell

Joseph F. “Joe” Kennell, 90, of Metamora, IL, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

He was born to Floyd D. and Lucille H. (Metz) Kennell on May 24, 1936, in Peoria, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Bonnie Casmer, and great-grandson Levi Zimmer.

Joe grew up in Peoria, IL. He was a graduate of Woodruff High School and the University of Illinois College of Engineering.

Joe married his high school sweetheart, Patricia “Pat” Hill. They had a wonderful marriage of almost 68 years. She survives him. He is also survived by his three children, Kristine Losby of Nokomis, FL, Steven (Joy) Kennell of Metamora, IL, and Rebecca Kennell of Chandler, AZ; six grandchildren, David (Courtney) Losby, John (Ellery) Losby, Matthew (Kristyn) Kennell, Elizabeth (Brady) Zimmer, Joseph (Anna) Kennell, and Nathan (Jennifer) Kennell; nineteen great-grandchildren; brother, William (Judy) Kennell; brother-in-law, Ronald Casmer; and several nieces and nephews.

Joe started his career at Caterpillar Tractor Company as a design engineer. During his time at Caterpillar, he received his Professional Engineering license and served in the National Guard. After ten years with Caterpillar, he decided to join his father’s printing company, Copy Cats, Ltd. While at Copy Cats, he transformed the company into Versa Press, Inc., a nationwide book manufacturing business. He was a consummate engineer, always optimizing equipment or improving manufacturing processes. He could proudly say Versa Press, Inc. is being run by the fourth generation. Versa Press was Joe’s career and his hobby after retirement.

Over the years, Joe found time to be involved in the Grandview Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, Peoria Rotary Club, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Country Club of Peoria, and as an elder at First Federated Church of Peoria. He was an avid boater, owning several sailboats and power boats over the years.

In retirement, Joe and Pat enjoyed traveling together and spending winters in Naples, Florida.

Joe loved his family very much and encouraged and enhanced the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He always had an idea for them to pursue or an article or book to read to encourage them in the next step in life. His favorite book was “Sermon on the Mount” by Emmet Fox.

A service celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Christian Union Church, 925 West Walnut Street, Metamora, IL with Pastor Gary Salm officiating. Visitation will take place prior to his service, starting at 9:00 a.m. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to The Salvation Army, 401 N.E. Adams Street, Peoria, IL 61603. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

DONATIONS:

The Salvation Army, 401 N.E. Adams Street, Peoria, IL 61603