Dr. Robert C. Kaye

Dr. Robert C. Kaye, 76, of Rensselaer, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 3, 2024, at home with his devoted family by his side. He had bravely fought against Parkinson's Disease for the past 25 years. Bob was born August 2, 1947, in Hammond, IN, to Frank and Helen Kaye. He was a proud graduate of Bishop Noll High School, Class of 1965. It was there that he met his future wife, Cheryl Peifer, and they recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Bob then attended Purdue University, West Lafayette, earning a BS degree in Pharmacy in 1970. Following that, he obtained his medical degree from Indiana University in 1974. After graduation, he and Cheryl decided on a change of scenery, travelling across the country out to Santa Monica, California, where Bob was accepted into a 3-year Family Medicine Residency. They loved the beach and mountain surroundings, and it was out there that they welcomed their first child. Family ties, however, drew them back to the Midwest and they relocated to Rensselaer in 1977. They were blessed with their second child in 1982. Anyone acquainted with Doc knew of his unwavering devotion to Purdue, ever grateful, ever true, he was surely one of the most loyal alumni ever! In his spare time, Bob enjoyed the outdoors, often golfing or fishing. And he had fun for a few years with a referee crew at middle school/high school football games! Doc was raised with homegrown values and carried those over into his career. He served his community as a physician for 27 years treating each and every one of his patients like they were family. Bob is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and two children, Leslie (Rafael) Kaye and Bradley (Heidi) Kaye, and one granddaughter, Niamh Adora Kaye, all of Chicago; siblings Sandra (John) Iaconetti of Scottsdale AZ; Ruth (Mark) Richardson of Anaheim CA; William Kaye of Wheatfield; Karen (Donald) Sidor of Valparaiso; as well as many treasured in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial Mass will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. CT at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 318 N. McKinley, Rensselaer with Father Joshua Bennett officiating. A Celebration of Bob's Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741; www.Michaeljfox.org

Dr. Robert C. Kaye

August 2, 1947 - May 3, 2024