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Kennard L. Davids, age 71, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on December 11, 2023, at home while surrounded by his loving family. To honor Kennard’s life, a private family service is being held. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Kennard’s family.
Kennard was born on July 3, 1952, in Teeds Grove, IA, a son to William G. and Pauline H. (Kokemuller) Davids, Jr. He grew up with a zest for life and an affinity for adventure which he faithfully carried throughout his 71 years among us. Kennard invested his time and talents in the maintenance department at the East Dubuque Nitrogen Fertilizers Plant. He eventually made his way into retirement in the July of 2014, which thankfully left more time in his schedule for the moments in life which brought him true joy.
Kennard was always quite content to be outdoors whenever possible and the activities were endless. Riding his Harley, boating, camping, hunting and fishing, mud bogging, the Dickeyville Hillclimb, shooting his cannon, his always entertaining Wow Bottle, staying over on the river, water guns, gardening, canning, and morel hunting just to name a few. He and Nancy also made annual trips to their permanent site at the Chalet Campground in Wisconsin where they would spend quality time with the McGinnis family, and his trip to Maui was surely among his favorites. Throw a little ZZ Top, George Thorogood, or Lynyrd Skynyrd on in the background and the day was going to be a good one in Kennard’s mind.
Kennard knew how to make the best of the indoors as well. His famous chili and cheesy vegetable soup were always a hit, especially with a cold beer in hand and a little time watching the Minnesota Vikings with Nancy by his side. He also enjoyed watching Nascar, truck pulls, Alf, the Wizard of Oz, Grumpy Old Men, In the Heat of the Night, Bat Masterson, and Home Improvement.
Kennard was widely known as the oldest living teenager and never missed an opportunity to sport a Halloween mask, or play his infamous pranks on his next victim. April Fool’s Day was a religious holiday for Kennard and he and Terra spent many years attempting to one up each other’s attempts to pull off the best one possible. As you can plainly see, Kennard loved life and all that it had to offer. His heart was wired for fun and thankfully, he never let that go. We are going to miss Kennard’s bright and lively light in our lives moving forward, but are forever grateful for the abundance of wonderful memories which he leaves behind as well. Thank you, Kennard, for being you and never surrendering to a lesser option. We will miss you dearly and pray that the Lord keeps you safe in His loving arms until we all meet again.
Those left behind to cherish the memory of Kennard include,
his special friend and significant other of 20 years,
Nancy McGinnis, Dubuque, IA;
his daughter,
Terra (Scott) Strohmeyer, Dubuque, IA;
his two grandchildren,
Jaxen and Jolee Strohmeyer, Dubuque, IA;
his siblings,
Michael (Susan) Davids, Princeton, IA,
Cindy Ales, East Dubuque, IL,
and Sharon Ales, Rochester, MN;
his sister-in-law,
Joyce Davids, Bellevue, IA;
along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.
Kennard was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, William Davids, Robert Davids, and James Davids.
Kennard’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.
Online condolences may be shared with Kennard’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
To honor Kennard’s life, a private family service is being held.
What a beautiful tribute to a guy we always remember had a smile on his face that spread joy to those around him. God bless you all. Prayers for comfort to Kennard’s family and friends, and may perpetual light shine upon his dear soul.
Thank you Al and Nancy! Dad spent a lot of time in the Dubuque Senior High gym nervous as hell but cheering us on. He would get so nervous he had to suck on hard candy. He will now be able to watch over Jaxen and Jolee when playing their sports.
Uncle Kennard will be remembered for his laugh, beer, and love for Harley Davidson, and his presence will be greatly missed. It is never easy to say goodbye to a loved one, and I hope you find comfort in the cherished memories and moments you/we all shared with him. If there is anything I can do to support you, please let me know. I am here for you. I wish you strength, peace, and comfort.
Thank you Cousin Tava. Going through all the pictures the last couple weeks has really brought back so many great memories. Thank you for all your kind words, love and support.
I love you forever Big Brother. We will miss you! And forever cherish the many smiles and laughs you gave us. Your little Sister Sharon
Thank you Godmother for the kind words.I can’t wait to hear more stories. I love you!
I am very sorry to hear of your families loss. I send my prayers and condolences your way. I send prayers your way for strength and healing through this trying time.
Nora Sheehan
Thank you Nora! Thank you for your kind words and support.
During my time at the East Dubuque plant, Kennard was always good for laugh even when the sh** was getting deep. You will be missed and my condolences to the family.
Ryan Family
Thank you for the memory. I remember amazing Christmas parties, office staff helping me pull pranks on my day and the day I walked through the gate when he retired. Memories I will cherish forever and honor my the work ethic he taught me. Thank you!
Nancy & Terra,
Kennard (never Kenny!) was a wonderful neighbor these past 21 yrs. He may not have appreciated our initial introduction when I moved to the neighborhood, nor did any of the other neighbors whom had to evacuate due to the contractors rupturing the natural gas line in front of my house during the new driveway install!!! But after that initial gassy introduction we ended up getting along just fine! I’ll miss the holler & wave from our respective decks & the occasional practical jokes played on neighbors. I could always barter & trade with Kennard, my fresh trout for some fresh veggies from his garden. Good neighbors can be hard to come by & you will be missed.
Jeff
Thank you for this wonderful message. I am glad to hear I wasn’t the only recipient of his neighborly jokes. We have a great neighborhood. Thank you for being there for Nancy also.
Thank you Jeff for the kind words and memories. Your support has been greatly appreciated for Nancy and I. We love the neighborhood. I am glad to know I wasn’t the only victim of Dad’s pranks. Thank you again!
you were my best coworker, the world will miss you kennard and so will I.
Kennard my fiend. I haven’t seen you for awhile, last time at Walmart during covid. You will be truly be missed.
Just remember my kids called you “Elf”.
I know you will be watching your family.
Thank you for the kind words and support. I cherish the fact he made others laugh and the memories of fun times.
Terra we are so sorry to hear about your Dad he was one of a kind we haven’t seen him for a long time and you were just a toddler but Steve worked with him back in the day and they got into all kind of mischief together times we will never forget. Please know he is in our thought and prayers.
That you for this sweet message. I guess the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. I’ve heard some mischievous stories already that I was not aware of. Thank you for the message. ♥️
Kennard was quite the character always a good laugh and huge smile when running into him. Rest In Peace my friend you will surely be missed. My condolences to Nancy my sweet cousin and his family. Prayers coming your way ! So Sorry i cant make the celebration of life.
Thanks Rhonda for your kind words.
Thank you for the comment. Your support and kind words are appreciated.
Comments of Dad bring a “character” has been a common theme. Laughter will help heal and keep his memories with us. Nancy and I laughed a lot the last few weeks with Dad. Forever grateful for this time.
I remember Kennard had a bumper sticker on one of his jeeps that said something like: Man made alcohol, God made marijuana, whom do you trust?
I haven’t seen Kennard since we ran into each other at Walmart but I miss him already. The world doesn’t seem as bright
Rich,
Thank you for sharing the memory, that sounds about right – even though he would never admit to me he ever smoked marijuana. We really enjoy reading comments and stories about Dad. We miss him a lot.