Dr. Herbert Iknayan, M.D.

Dr. Herbert Iknayan, MD, 85, of Robinson, IL, died at 10:10 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2017 in the comfort of his home. He was born September 2, 1931 in Boston, MA, the son of Herbert & Kathleen (Kelly) Iknayan, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Joan; by his sister, Susan Iknayan; and by his father-in-law, Billie Rector. He married Sheila Rector on June 6, 1997, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughters & sons-in-law, Kathy & Tim Huff (Mesa, AZ), Cindy & Paul Rensner (Yardley, PA); by his sons & daughters-in-law, Nick & Terry Iknayan (Charlotte, NC), and Jim & Sue Iknayan (Minneapolis, MN); by his step-daughters & sons-in-law, Blaine & Jeff Hayden (Indianapolis, IN), Aletha & Craig Daniels (Titusville, FL); by his grandchildren, Jennifer (Huff) Shoulders, Nicholas Iknayan, triplets Zach, Madeline, and Erin Iknayan, twins Patrick and Emily Iknayan; by his step-grandchildren, Blake Lane, Julia Hayden, Hannah Daniels, and Thomas Daniels; by great-grandsons, Jason Beasley and Gunner Shoulders; by his step-great-grandchildren, Blake, Logan, Gavin, and Trevor Shoulders; by his brother, Dr. Charlie & Nancy Iknayan (Bessemer, MI); by his brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Cleatus & Karen Rector (Robinson, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. Herb was raised in Charleston, IL and graduated from Teacher’s College High School in Charleston. He went on to medical school in Washington University (St. Louis, MO) and graduated in 1956 as a general surgeon. He practiced about 5 years in Charleston before taking a position at Schmidt Clinic in Robinson, where he was the only surgeon in town for 35 years. His training led him to also be the Robinson High School team physician for 40 years. He retired as a surgeon in 1996, but continued to work as the team physician until 2014. Away from work, Herb could often be found immersed in a book or working on a crossword puzzle (which he always did in ink). He was a well-educated and well-read man, and always seemed to know the answer to any question you could throw at him. He also loved a good adventure, he and Sheila having traveled extensively by RV, the whole time listening to his beloved classical music at full volume. The ultimate train buff, Herb also enjoyed many an excursion on the rails. His family, friends, and community have all lost a one-of-a-kind soul in Dr. Herbert Iknayan, and he will never be forgotten. A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 12th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A celebration of life service will follow and will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday with Pastor Mike Irvin officiating the service. In honor of his many years as team physician, memorials may be made to the Robinson High School Athletic Association, with envelopes available at the funeral home.