Kenneth Cave
January 2, 1935 ~ June 13, 2017
Kenneth Allen Cave, 82, of Lisbon, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Hiawatha Care Center, in the presence of Janet, his wife of 61 years. Private Graveside Services are being afforded by Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon.
He is survived by his wife; daughters, Jodie (David) Smith of Hiawatha, and Jill (Jeff) Kobza of the Philippines; and grandchildren, Madisen Smith, Jacob Kobza, and Luca Kobza.
Ken was born in Bath, Illinois to Clarence and Ethel (Coolican) Cave. He served his country in the United States Army both here and in France. Later, he married the love of his life, Janet Bowers, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. They raised a wonderful family in Lisbon. Ken was a carpenter, home builder, and co-owner of Little Bandit Lumber. He was active in the Masons, Optimists, and First Federated Church. Ken was an avid golfer and Hawkeye fan.
Ken was often described as patient, a quality quite rare nowadays. His level-headed demeanor set an example for everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. 'My grandfather taught me how to listen more than speak, treat every person with respect, and to always be gracious.'
The family would like to thank Dr. Mary Anne Nelson, and the staffs of Emery Place, and Hiawatha Care Center for their kind and compassionate care. Memorials can be made to the American Lung Association.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
To Kenny’s family sorry to hear of Ken’s passing I always enjoyed my visits with Ken and Jan. Kenny and I worked together for several years and he was a mentor to me when I first started at API Supply in 1996. As the years passed we became fast friends. I well remember his stories of France and the Little Bandit Lumberyard,
Also his favorite quote ” Save your Money !! ”
Our hearts go out to Jan and the family for the loss of a great man!
Chuck & Tammy Ryther
I’m so glad I got to visit with Kenny not long ago. He had such a wonderful smile. My thoughts are with you all. Give Jan a big hug from me. I’m so pleased he could be with her at the end. Prayers for all.
Kenny Cave was my mentor who tried desperately to teach me patience and humility. He was the best all around carpenter I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Kenny could fix anything. After the buildings were built Staub Construction would send Kenny back to tune-up all of the problems with new construction.
I accompanied Kenny to lumberyards where he taught me how to find the “deals”. When he was sure that I was properly trained, he would let me go on my own. It always amazed me that our new tenants knew Kenny by name and would demand that he be called to fix their problems.
I was 21 years old and knew everything. I had a new car and Kenny refused to ride with me and would always drive my new car. Finally he decided that he would teach me how to drive properly. He would sit in the passenger seat and grab the wheel and “help” me drive closer to curb where he claimed it was safer. When I screwed-up Kenny would pretend to pull the seat belt tighter and stare at me.
I have so many funny wonderful memories of Kenny. He was one of the greatest, kindest and funniest people I’ve ever met. RIP Kenny. I loved you Man!
Bruce A.
I have real good memories with Kenny and Janet, he will be missed , Prayers to Janet.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ken and Janet a few years back when they were having internet troubles in their home. What a gracious and pleasant couple they were. I worked for the phone company in Lisbon and they were my customers. While I was in their home working on getting their internet problem solved, I was treated like royalty. I only had that one encounter with Ken and Janet, but I will never forget their kindness. May Ken rest in peace. My prayers and thoughts to Janet and the family.
Chris Zeadow
Alberta “Bert” Kohl Shulista
Kenney was 1 of 12, 3 guys and 9 girls, Class of 1953, Lisbon High School.
Even though we girls out numbered, we always made sure the guys had a say in
decisions. He always believed in fairness and loyalty. Ken was a fun carrying
person. Dick and I enjoyed visiting with Ken and Jan when out shopping or at dinner.
They shared fun times about their girls and families. The grandkids, the joy of his life.
Our deepest sympathy to Jan and family.
Janet,
I always called Kenny “Johnny” because he was”Johnny on the spot” when he picked you up from the beauty shop. Kenny was a gracious caring family man. Family was very important to him. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers Janet.
Take care,
Carol Light and family
Jodie,
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your dad. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Linda Patten
The best dad a girl could ask for. He taught me to give and to receive, both with patience and gratitide. Rest in Peace my dearest Pa. <3