Obituary of Robert Leland Kidwell

Robert Leland "Bob" Kidwell, 87, of State College, died Thursday, January 28, 2016, at the Atrium at the Village at Penn State, State College. Born May 6, 1928, in Philipsburg, he was the son of the late Henry C. and Elsie Hebel Kidwell. On May 8, 1954 he married Rita Koch, who survives. In addition to his wife he is survived by three children, Melanie K. Loder and her husband, Scott, of Lansdale, Joleen R. Hanson and her husband, Roy, of Menomonie, WI and Randall D. Kidwell and his wife, Debbie, of Old Hickory, TN; one sister, Elizabeth Marcella of Maui, Hawaii; one sister-in-law, Joann M. Kidwell of State College; eight grandchildren, Claire DeCurtis, Andrew, Anne and Byron Loder, Carleton and Cynthia Hanson, Kate and Elizabeth Kidwell; four great-grandchildren, Henry, Lauren, Sydney and Cora. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James H. Kidwell. He was a 1946 graduate of State College Area High School. Bob attended Penn State University. He was a graduate of the Williamsport Technical Institute. Bob served in the United States Navy from 1946 until 1949 and then was recalled in 1950 until 1952. He served as a Radioman 2nd class. He was employed as a Supervisor for Cerro Metal Products originally Titan Metal Manufacturing in Bellefonte and retired after 37 plus years of service. Bob was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Pine Grove Mills. He served several terms on church council and as a teacher for the Adult Sunday Class. Robert had membership in VFW Post 5825 of Pine Grove Mills, State College American Legion, State College Elks, Masonic Lodge No. 700, Tall Cedars of Lebanon and NRA. He served one term as Ferguson Township Auditor and Supervisor. He also served on the board of State College Area School District. He served as Scout Master for Troop 44 Pine Grove Mills. He was a blood donor of 23 gallons. Visitation will be from 6 until 8 p.m., on Monday, February 1, 2016, at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton Street, State College. Memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at the funeral home, with the Reverend Paul Tomkiel officiating. Burial will be in Pine Grove Mills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rita K. and Robert L. Kidwell Fund, Centre Foundation 1377 Ridge Master Dr .State College, Pa. 16803. or St. Paul Lutheran Church, PO Box 200 Pine Grove Mills, Pa. 16868. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.