Kennard D Crabbe

Kennard Donald Crabbe, 91, of Nokomis, Illinois, passed away at 1:15 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026, at Pana Community Hospital.

Kennard was born on July 1, 1934, at his family home in Nokomis, Illinois, and was delivered by Dr. C.W. Vaughn. He was the son of Hubert Forrest Crabbe and Ruth Josephine (Cannon) Crabbe. He married Tracy Suzanne German (Friesland) on May 31, 1996, in Vandalia, Illinois, and together they shared many happy years filled with family, laughter, and simple joys.

Kennard worked for 35 years as a machine repairman at Caterpillar in Aurora, Illinois. He was known as a true jack of all trades who could fix or build just about anything. An incredibly talented woodworker, he lovingly crafted many pieces of furniture for family and friends that will continue to be treasured for years to come.

He was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Sandwich, Illinois, and enjoyed gospel music, often playing both the guitar and harmonica. Kennard also enjoyed camping, fishing, roller skating, and league bowling in Nokomis for many years. Some of his favorite moments were the quiet ones spent sitting on the front porch swing with his wife, Tracy, enjoying a black cup of coffee and a piece of lemon cake.

Kennard and Tracy also operated a daycare together, where he was known for sneaking the children a piece of candy on their way out of the door to school. He was an avid fan of Wheel of Fortune and rarely missed an episode, and he cheered on the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears. Above all else, Kennard will be remembered for his kindness, his sense of humor, his hardworking nature, and the love he had for his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Tracy Crabbe; his children, Kerry (Diana) Crabbe, Laura (Kenny) Gibbs, Gregory (Linda) Crabbe, Kathleen (Tom) Kandel, Jennifer (Quentin) Warren, and Timothy (Carla) Crabbe; his stepchildren, Jared (Penny) German, Justin (Colene) German, and Kate (Justin) Dudra; 22 grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Ruth Marian Sanders; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his children, Deborah Sabonis and Ronald Crabbe; and his siblings, Hubert Crabbe, Edward Crabbe, Sidney Crabbe, Charlotte Rowe, Elisabeth Gas, MarthAnn Robertson, Doris Lentz, and Raymond Crabbe.

A visitation will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis, Illinois.

In keeping with Kennard’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation.

Memorials may be made to the Montgomery County Cancer Association, Nokomis-Witt Ambulance Service, or Paws Care of Montgomery County

Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis, Illinois, is assisting the family with arrangements

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