Robert Kendall
March 10, 2009
Robert Kendall, 55, died Tuesday, March 10, 2009 in Des Moines. The funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2009 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th in Des Moines, with burial at Altoona Cemetery.
Robert was born August 3, 1953 in Des Moines. He enjoyed working for himself, re-building pipe organs around the Midwest. He was very artistic, musical, and creative. He was also very easy going and free spirited.
Rob is survived by his father, R. Kenneth Kendall of Des Moines; his brother, Rick of Oakbrook, IL; and his sister, Rebecca of Lancaster, CA. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine.
Visitation will be 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Friday, March 13, 2009 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Civic Music Association, 1620 Pleasant St. Ste. 244, Des Moines, IA 50314.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
David Kelzenberg
03/17/2009
I did not know Robb well, but all of our encounters were greatly enhanced by his wit and intelligence. The world is a better place for his presence. My deepest sympathies are extended to Robb's family.
Paul Montague
03/16/2009
Any time spent with Robb was a time spent laughing. He told enough stories about the organ world to fill a book shelf, each one delivered with his exceptional wit and recall.
I remember him making fun of me for wiring a keyboard backwards, his school house remodeling project when we accidentally tossed a sledge hammer through a window, knocking down a front porch that just wouldnt fall, and installing a spiral stair case.
Fond memories I will miss him.
Rob Riley
03/14/2009
I truly enjoyed working with Robb on the Barton organ at the Coronado Theater in Rockford. He shared generously his excellent knowledge about restoration of the instrument and adhered to high professional standards. We will miss his ready,gentle humor.
We extend our sympathy to you, Robb's family, for a great loss.
Rob Riley, for the technical crew
Land of Lincoln Theatre Organ Society
Rockford, IL
Paul Van Der Molen
03/14/2009
I was saddened to learn of Rob's passing. I hadn't seen him in several years but
I have fond memories of him being here at the house and being an important part of our pipe organ installation. He would stay for 2 or 3 days at a time and for awhile he was part of the family. He had a great sense of humor and would have us in uncontrolled laughter as he did his impression of Quasimoto in the middle of the street when we left a restaurant in downtown Wheaton, IL. This was on more than one occassion.
I knew Rob was still involved with pipe organs but our paths hadn't crossed in sometime. My sympathies to his family. May he rest in peace.
Michael Vancura
03/14/2009
My first inclination is to try to pay tribute to Robb in assessing his work, which could become involved and lofty. I would be best to simply relate his loyalty and fidelity to those who shared his goals and objectives. Through these traits, along with his emminent decency and generousity, he perpetuated his projects in history. He will be missed just as his projects will be appreciated.
Robin Gollnick
03/14/2009
I was sad to hear of Rob's passing. I only have fond memories of him.
He helped my brother Fred when ever he needed it. The pipe organ
community has lost another fine member.
Eunice and Davis Folkerts
03/13/2009
Dear Kenneth and Familly,
We send you our deep and sincere sympathy. To lose Robb is for us the loss of a good friend, a genius artist in the realm of theater organs, and a person of great integrity and mission. While these are significant losses, they pale in comparison to the loss you suffer and we hold you in our thoughts and prayers. We are so deeply sorry to be out of state at the time of the visitation and funeral, but we are certainly with you in spirit.
When we return we will take care of a suitable memorial, but we want you to know now of our love and concern.
Sincerely,
Eunice and Davis Folkerts
Knoxville, Iowa
Jona Hays
03/13/2009
I am so very sorry that you lost Robb. My sister, Anita, always spoke fondly of him. Her husband, Seymour, worked with him repairing organs. She spoke of enjoying meals and eating out with him, of him going out for coffee with her husband, and of the work he and Seymour did with refurbishing and repairing organs. Robb was Seymour's friend and I know he will be greatly missed. Please accept my deepest condolences. My heart goes out to Robb's family in this time of sorrow.