POLO – Kenneth C. Obendorf, 90 of Polo passed peacefully away at his home on Wednesday, April 28th 2021, with his loving wife of 70 years by his side. Kenneth was born May 7th, 1930 in Carroll County, the son of Arthur and Nellie Waterbury Obendorf. Kenneth graduated from Polo Community High School in 1948. He married Elizabeth Isley on Feb. 17th, 1951 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Polo.
Kenneth was the owner of Obendorf Shelling in Eagle Point, a business started by his father in 1930. He eventually purchased Hazelhurst Lumber and Grain and remained a part of the business until he later retired. He enjoyed spending time with his friends in different breakfast groups, golfing, and playing cards. Kenneth was an avid Cub’s fan, attended many Cubs games and celebrated their 2016 World Series win with his family and friends. He was on the committee for LSSI Bid for Youth Auction of Ogle County, a council member for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, on the board for Polo Historical Society, and was awarded 2006 Citizen of the Year for Polo and Republican of the Year for Ogle County. He volunteered for Representative Jerry Mitchell. Kenneth enjoyed pulling the train full of his grandkids and their friends at local parades.
He is survived by his wife Betty Obendorf, his sons Bruce (Robin) Obendorf Mt. Morris, Steve (Cheri) Obendorf Naperville, and daughters Krista (James) Lichtenheld Kenosha, Wis., and Susan (Tim) O’Connor Mt.Carroll, 15 grandchildren; Amy, Andrew, Adam, Allen, Beth, Tara, Louis, Alan, Kyle, Kenny, Lori, Daniel, Clare, Natalie, Lily , 9 great grandchildren; Michael, Ryan, Thomas, Matthew, Holly, Rose, Anna , Arlo, Archer, and his niece Carolyn (Bill) Warren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Imogene, brother Bruce, and grandchild Bethany
Visitation was on Monday, May 3rd at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church from 4-6 p.m. Funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 4th at 10 a.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Burial followed at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon. A memorial has been established at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and Polo Historical Society.
