Thomas Edward Kenward

Thomas E. Kenward, 76, of Normal passed away March 20, 2022. He was born February 15, 1946 to Dr. Edward and Rachel (Gries) Kenward and married Sandra Estill in Bloomington on January 6, 1973. She precedes him in passing on December 7, 1994.

Thomas grew up in Delavan, IL and graduated from Delavan High School in 1964. Later, in 1969, he graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI, where his fraternal brothers nicknamed him “Bear”. He was a proud Panther and Golden Eagle, and never missed watching his favorite high school and college basketball teams. Shortly after college he met and married the love of his life, Sandra Estill, and built a life and family together. Tom loved going to Green Bay Packers, Chicago Cubs, or Chicago Blackhawks games. He also loved working on his family tree and doing ancestry research online and in person. He is now reunited with our dearly departed family and friends. Hopefully they are all enjoying another round of canasta or euchre, or maybe a quick 18 holes of golf. He was a great son, brother, husband, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather, godfather, and best friend. Tom will surely be missed.

Tom is survived by his children Michelle (Elmer) Hanson of Tomah, WI: Jennifer (Chris) Zimmerman of Bellflower, IL: John Kenward of Normal; grandchildren William J. Gordon of Bloomington: Jade Hanson of Tomah WI: Cassandra Zimmerman of Bellflower; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also preceded in passing by his parents; sisters Barbara Barnes and Virginia Huguet; and nephew Mark Huguet.

A public visitation will be held at Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal on Friday, April 22, 2022 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. A funeral mass will follow visitation at 11:00 am, officiating is Father Peter Okola. Burial will follow services at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.

Condolences and memories may be left with the family at eastlawnmemorial.com