Kevin Hobbs, 71, of Grinnell and formerly of Gilman, died on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at his home and under the care of his family and UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Hospice.

A funeral service will be held 10:30 AM, Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Pastor Phil Culham officiating. Private family interment will be at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell. A luncheon will follow at the Eagles in Grinnell.

The family will receive friends at the visitation held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 6th at the Smith Funeral Home.

Memorials may be designated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Condolences may be shared with his family online at www.smithfh.com.

Kevin Garret Hobbs was born on May 22, 1954, in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of Harold Edward Hobbs and Clarencella Fae (Garrett) Hobbs. He grew up in Grinnell, where he was educated and rooted in community.

On May 27, 2000, he married Michelle Lyn Rasmussen at the Newburg-Chester Congregational Church. Together they had five children, Dallas, Andrew, Jacob, Curtis, and Riley, building a home filled with laughter, love, and dad jokes.

Kevin dedicated over 25 years to GTE in Grinnell, working first as a linesman and later as a supervisor. His commitment to service extended beyond work: he served as president of the Eagles in Grinnell, chaired the Jerry Lewis Telethon for muscular dystrophy, and volunteered for Special Olympics basketball. Every December, he donned the red suit to play Santa Claus, bringing joy to children and families alike.

A gifted athlete, Kevin played fastpitch softball for 17 years and was named to the All-Star team eight times. He loved fishing, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, and watching the Minnesota Twins. But above all, Kevin cherished his family—especially his grandchildren—with a deep and abiding love.

He will be remembered for his humor, charm, empathy, fairness, humility, and kindness. Kevin had a way of making people feel seen and heard, and his expressive spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Kevin is survived by his children, Dallas (Don) Farber of Bettendorf, IA, Andrew (Lesley) Hobbs of Grinnell, Jacob (Lyndsay) Hobbs of Cedar Rapids, IA, Curtis (Holly) Hobbs of Johnston, IA, and Riley Hobbs of Cedar Rapids, IA; grandchildren, Meagan and Makenna Farber, Kegan and Kaylee Hobbs, Mason and Natalie Hobbs, and Crosby Hobbs; and his siblings, Harold "Todd" Hobbs and Arminda "Mindy" Hobbs. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Michelle in 2024.