Robert L. Kennedy

Robert “Robb” Lee Kennedy, age 72, former resident of Grand Forks, ND; died on Friday, November 24, 2023 at Villa St. Vincent in Crookston, MN. Robb was born in Minneapolis on November 11, 1951; the second of four children born to D. Loraine and Robert Lloyd Kennedy. They moved to Grand Forks when he was three. He attended Viking, Schroeder and graduated from Red River High in 1970. He enjoyed his opportunities to play drums in the band, football and hockey. He was a lifeguard at the Elks’ Pool. His favorite place was in Selby SD spending time on the Thorstenson ranches with Topper and the rest of the relatives. Robb attended NDSCS, UND and Oral Roberts U. He worked as a paramedic and nurse throughout his career at United in Grand Forks, Tulsa St Francis and for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Robb was always interested in the medical field due to his strong desire to help others. He was an active member of Grand Forks Jaycees and North Dakota Jaycees while living in ND. After his move to the South, he was active in Broken Arrow/Tulsa and Oklahoma Jaycees, serving in several leadership roles. Robb is survived by two children: Robert “Lance” (Tracy) Kennedy and Erika Kennedy. Their mother, Susan Carpenter Kennedy St John passed in 2021. Robb and Sue married in 1972 and divorced in 1989. He was a proud Grandpa to six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Robb is survived by his siblings: Kathy (Greg) Stattine of Edina MN, Karen (Dan) Hocking of Yuma AZ and Kristy (Paul) Matthiesen of Crestview FL; Aunt Ruth Marie Olson Melby Ratzlaff; Uncle John Olson; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was married to Treva Howard Kennedy from 2000-2020. Robb was motivated to move south in 1985. One motive was warmer weather. His stated criteria was to drive until someone asked him what the electrical cord was hanging out of his truck grill (block heater). He has left many friends in the north and in the south. Some he left earlier in life and others later in life. Echoes of his very hearty laugh and passion for “life in the moment” remain. Mostly while cheering for his favorite teams: Fighting Sioux, Kansas City Chiefs and Tulsa Drillers. Robb’s final earthly excursion of almost two years ended on Friday, November 24th. It began in Oklahoma where he was living and working at the time of his stroke/brain tumor and operation in OK/ TX. Robb was a nurse with a wonderful team doing out patient and clinic care for the Choctaw Naton in McAlester OK at this time. He loved his work there. Robb was in a hospital, rehab or long-term care continuously since April 2022 due to paralysis. Fortunately, his final home was at the Villa St Vincent in Crookston - almost full-circle. A heartfelt thanks to the staff at Villa St Vincent and Hospice of The Red River Valley for the excellent and caring treatment received by Robb and our family. Words cannot express our appreciation! In celebration of Robb, heartily drink an A&W root beer and enjoy a butterscotch dipped cone at Dairy Queen! A Memorial Service will be held at Amundson Funeral Home Grand Forks on Monday, December 11th at 11:00 am. Visitation is one hour prior. Inurnment at Memorial Park South Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please direct any memorials to the Benedictine Foundation (Villa St Vincent) 6499 University Ave NE, Suite 300, Minneapolis MN 55432.