ROBERT EDWARD KOKENGE, died peacefully on Friday, Aug. 25, 2017 with his family by his side.

Born July 20, 1930  in Lima, Ohio, he was the son of Edward and Henrietta Kokenge.

After graduating Auburn High School he attended college until entering the United States Air Force where he served in Japan during the Korean War.

Bob returned to Auburn to work alongside his father in the family business, Auburn City Hardware. As a successful businessman, he was passionate about serving his customers and did not hesitate to go above and beyond to make someone's day a little bit better. Bob was often referred to as "The Mayor of Eighth Street".   He looked forward to Labor Day Weekend and welcoming friends and visitors from around the world for the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival of which he was once a board member.

Bob was a member of the American Legion and founding member of the Auburn Elks.

On Aug. 24, 1957 he married the love of his life, Kathleen Hackman, together they had two children. Bob loved being a father and grandfather, spending summer weekends with his grandchildren on Lake Wawasee and Spring Breaks on Siesta Key. He loved teaching them how to swim, fish, water ski and skip rocks and never missed a concert, play, sporting event or grandparents day at school.

He is survived by his children, Robert (Elaine) Kokenge, Christine (John) O'Rourke; grandchildren, Laurel and Patrick; grandpuppy Oliver and sister Carolyn Kokenge; along with 12 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathleen Kokenge who passed away Oct. 19, 2013; and a sister, Marge Brennan. 

A Mass of Christian burial is 11 a.m. Tuesday at Saint Jude Catholic Church, 2130 Pemberton Dr., Fort Wayne, with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday prior to Mass. Father Jake Runyon will be officiating.

Visitation also will be from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Feller & Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center St., Auburn, with a service conducted by Elks Lodge 1978 of Auburn at 5:45 p.m.

Burial will take place in Catholic Cemetery in Fort Wayne with military honors being conducted by the United States Air Force.

Memorials may be directed to the Community Foundation of DeKalb County or Masses to the church.