Kenneth "Gary" Kombrink, 72, died Sunday, March 25, 2018, at his home in Bloomington after being treated for lymphoma at the University of Chicago for the past 6 months.

He was born August 29, 1945 in Harrisburg, Pa. He attended high school in Belleville, Ill., and college at the University of Missouri, where he was quarterback of the football team from 1966 to 1967 and co-captain his senior year. After graduation in 1968, he served in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant from 1968 to 1970.

After completing his service, he attended law school at the University of Missouri, graduating in 1973, after which he began a legal career which included partnership in the Dunn law firm in Bloomington, Ill., and service as a staff attorney for the University of Illinois, specializing in labor and employment law. Gary retired from the University of Illinois in 2005. He later served as director of labor relations at Illinois State University while also maintaining a private law office in Bloomington. When he retired for a second time, he devoted all his time to his beloved wife and the cats they rescued.

No obituary for Gary would be complete without listing the names of his cherished kitties: Stella, Max, Jakie, Lexy, Middie, Eddie, CC, Diablo, Little Orphan Annie, Big Tom, Yogi, Sparky, Batman Buddy, Josie, Beau-Beau, Sadie Mae, Sammie Joe, Bibbs, Spuds, Spookers, 'Lil Mitts, Little Jack, Cowboy Joe Pussums, Mitten, Chester, Tommy and of course, the one and only, Frankie Joe. 

Gary's greatest joy was found in his own back yard. He was a true believer in knowing that the secret to having it all is knowing that you already do.

He is preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Kombrink.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Sandra "Sandi" K. Kombrink; his mother, Ruthe; two sisters, Gayle (Gary) Libberton and Lisa (Jesse Camacho) Kombrink; a son, Ryan Kombrink; a daughter, Kyle (John) Roche; five grandchildren, Nora, Maddie, Lucy, Abby and Matthias; two nephews, Rand and Gabe; and one niece, Shelle.