Robert Kettle Obituary

Kettle
Robert Kettle
April 18, 1931
January 8, 2026

Robert William "Bob" Kettle, 94, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Bob lived a life defined by intellectual pursuit, professional achievement, and a deep love for family and adventure, including tennis, hiking, skiing, and traveling.
Born on April 18, 1931, in Denver, Colorado, Bob graduated from Wheat Ridge High School before earning a Professional Engineering Degree in Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines. He later completed an MBA at Loyola University in New Orleans.
Bob's military service began in the ROTC at Mines. Later he served as an engineer officer in the U.S. Army, first stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. There he met Mary Macdonnell on a blind date. They married in Germany while Bob was stationed with the 4th Army Combat Engineer Battalion in Hanau, Germany, sharing more than 70 years of marriage. While married, Bob and Mary traveled to more than 80 countries.
His professional career began with Magnolia Petroleum Company—later Mobil Oil—where he explored for oil across the U.S. and the North Sea. After more than two decades away from Colorado, he returned as Chief Geophysicist of Alaska for Mobil. He later held roles at Professional Geophysics Incorporated, Pendelton Land and Exploration, Thomasson Partner Associates, and worked as an independent consultant. Bob served as president of the Denver Geophysical Society and editor of *Geophysics* magazine, reflecting his leadership in the field.
Following his retirement to Colorado Springs, he remained active through volunteer work with the Red Cross, North Cheyenne Canyon Park, Westside Cares, Silver Key, Broadmoor Community Church, and local math tutoring programs.
Bob is survived by his wife Mary; children Bruce (Liz), Catherine Brown (Curtis), and Patrick (Tina); nine grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son John (Susan), parents William and Kathryn Kettle, and brother Kennyth Kettle.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.