Kevin S. Witheft

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Kevin S. Witheft, a cherished husband and brother, a loving dad, and a devoted papa. He was 69 years old and lived a life filled with love, laughter, and kindness. Kevin was born on April 13, 1956, in Kankakee to Merlyn and Donna (Tobenski) Witheft. He grew up on the farm, developed a love for drums, cars and art, and met his now wife, Joyce (Groesbeck) in 1976. They married on July 7, 1979, and built a life together with their two daughters, Krista and Kendra, in Kankakee, IL. As a husband, Kevin devoted himself to small, yet meaningful acts to show his love. As only one example, he filled the gas tank for Joyce for years, which created a learning curve when she needed to fill up once on her own in one of their cars. As a dad, he was a strong supporter who worked hard for his family. He thrived as a papa and always saved the last hug for his daughters. As a papa, he was always present and willing to fill sketchbooks, ride the lawn tractor a few extra loops, build leave piles for jumping, and hit the keys on the piano with his grandkids. The cars would never drive away without a smiley face smudged on the window for the grandkids to see. Throughout his time with us, he was the forever photographer of family memories with videos and pictures to cherish first steps, birthday parties, and family gatherings. He was the man behind the camera who was loved by all. He worked many of his years at T&E Enterprise in Herscher, Illinois, retiring recently in 2022. Prior to that, he worked at Chicago Bridge & Iron in Bourbonnais, Illinois. Surviving are Kevin’s wife, Joyce Witheft of Kankakee; two daughters, Krista (Jeremey) Davis and Kendra Witheft; one granddaughter, Natalie; three grandsons, Hunter, Garret, and Levi; two brothers, Keith (Lisa) Witheft, Brian (Robin Foster) Witheft; one sister, Gloria (Bill) Graham; one brother-in-law, Roy (Andy) Groesbeck; several nieces and nephews; and a large extended family. Kevin is preceded in death by his parents, Merlyn and Donna (Tobenski) Witheft. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025 at Schreffler Funeral Home in Kankakee. Additional visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of the 10 a.m. funeral service on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kankakee. Rev. Karl Koeppen will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Danforth Cemetery. Memorials may be made to family wishes.

Kevin S. Witheft

April 13, 1956 - July 16, 2025

What We Do

Sympathy Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Kevin S. Witheft

April 13, 1956 - July 16, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Sympathy Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information