Kenneth J. Kennedy (1928-2018)

KENNEDY, THOLE, PETERSON

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/9/2018 at 14:42:04

Kenneth J. "Neighbor" Kennedy, 89, of East Dubuque, Illinois, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the Bell Tower Retirement Community.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 12, 2018 at St. Mary's Church in East Dubuque, with Fr. James Weighner and Fr. Dean Smith concelebrating. Burial will be in the East Dubuque Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by members of East Dubuque American Legion Post # 787. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Ken was born in East Dubuque on July 25, 1928, the son of Dennis and Rosalia (Thole) Kennedy. He was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, class of 1947. He was united in marriage to Jean Peterson on September 20, 1958 at St. Raphael's Cathedral in Dubuque.

He was employed as a lineman for Interstate Power Company for 42 years, retiring in 1989.

Ken was a member of IBEW Local # 263, Galena Elks Lodge # 882, St. Mary's Church and its Holy Name Society, East Dubuque Knights of Columbus Council # 7527, and a member of the Galena Golf Club for over 35 years.

Ken was an avid fisherman, golfer, and gardener, who was known for his "Celebrity Tomatoes". He and Jean wintered in Apache Junction, AZ, for over 19 years. Whether he was on the Mississippi River or on road trips to Lake Pepin, he loved to be in the boat.

Surviving are his wife Jean; a son, Scott (Sheri) Kennedy of Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, his four special grandchildren, Lauren, Allison, Claire and Liam; two sisters, Maurelia Kennedy of East Dubuque and Doris (Dr. Clare) Hart of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; many nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Edith Nading and a brother-in-law, Bill (Dorothy) Peterson both of McGregor, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Alice (Ray) Overhouse, his in-laws, Milly (Chuck) Gaulke, Vonnie (Rob) Klotzbach, and Ron Peterson.

In lieu of flowers, a Kenneth "Neighbor" Kennedy memorial fund has been established.

Jean and family wish to thank Dr. Mark Liaboe and his nurse Trish, the Bell Tower Community staff, and the nurses and staff from Hospice of Dubuque, especially Paul and Ryan, to friends and neighbors who lent a helping hand, especially, Patrick, Tom, Gary, Joe, and our Kats Meow family, for the wonderful care given to Ken.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com.