Dr. Kenneth J. Kobes was promoted to glory on January 22, 2025. He was born on April 15, 1928 in Toadlena, New Mexico to Rev. Jacob and Trina Kobes, who were missionaries to the Navajo Indian Tribe. He was in the Army during WWII, serving stateside as a sole surviving son-his only brother having been killed in the Battle of the Bulge. After the war he completed his education at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, and then went on to obtain his D.O. medical degree at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.
After a private practice of 10 years in Grand Rapids, he began a career at the VA Hospital in Battle Creek. During that time, he was sent to Menninger Clinic by the VA to complete a 3-year course to obtain his psychiatric degree. He then returned to the Battle Creek VA where he worked until his retirement in 1988, retiring as Chief of Staff. He then worked for the State of Michigan, evaluating disability claims, retiring fully in 1999.
His first wife, Phyllis passed away in 1997 and he married Karen Lynch in 2001.
Surviving are his wife Karen; daughter, Kay (Bill) Carter; son, Dr. Keith (Iris) Kobes; daughter-in-law, Deb Kobes; 4 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; stepson, Marcus (Cherie) Lynch; step-grandsons, Noah (Maggie) and Jonah Lynch and a stepdaughter, Dr. Michelle Lynch.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Phyllis; a son, Kenneth Kobes Jr.; grandson, Dan Kobes; a brother and two sisters.
Per Ken’s wishes there will be no services at this time. A private family celebration of life and interment at Fort Custer National Cemetery will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rehoboth Christian School, Attn: Rev. Jacob and Trina Kobes Scholarship, 7 Tse Yaaniichii Ln., Rehoboth, NM 87322 or to the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, Dr. Kenneth J Kobes Scholarship, 1750 Independence Ave., Kansas City, MO 64106-9837, or visit www.kansascity.edu with the designation Dr. Ken Kobes Scholarship.
Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
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