Robert Lawrence Kendall

Robert Lawrence Kendall passed away peacefully in Preston, Idaho, on September 5, 2025, just shy of his 97th birthday. Robert was born to Lawrence Mark Kendall and Iola Weber Kendall on September 15,1928 in his grandmother’s small one-room cabin, in Malheur County, Oregon. He was the second of five children, one older sister, Geneva Mable Kendall Thomas, and three younger siblings: Karl Eugene Kendall, Betty Louise Kendall Lee, and Dorothy Mae Kendall Johnson.

As a young man he served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Holland, for 2 1/2 years. After returning home he joined the army and was sent to Stuttgart, Germany where he met the love of his life and was married to Christa Helena Auktor. Germany required that couples be married in the town hall. After being married three times—in the town hall, the church, and finally sealed in the temple—they were truly united for eternity.

After returning to the United States, Robert received his Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah in biology with a minor in botany. He later earned his Masters of Science degree in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He devoted his professional life to teaching, beginning with biology at Wasco High School and then teaching both biology and chemistry at East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah.

His hobbies included entomology, stamp collecting, gardening and reading.

Robert was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints his whole life and a strong defender of the Book of Mormon. He often bore testimony of its truthfulness and enjoyed sharing its teachings with others.

Robert and Christa have served three missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The also have been blessed with a great posterity, 17 grandchildren and 44 great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Christa; his siblings, Betty and Karl; and his children: Delina Jane Durtschi (Jay William Durtschi), Christine Yvonne Hansen, Kay Lynn Larsen (Russell Larsen), and Robert Moroni Kendall (Marci).

Robert’s funeral services will take place at the Red Rose Funeral Home, in Preston Idaho 56 S. State Street. There will be a viewing on Saturday, September 13th from 9:30 - 10:30 and the service will begin at 11:00. To share a favorite memory of Robert or to offer condolences to the family, please leave a tribute on this page.