Thomas J. Kenney

Born in St. Paul , Minnesota on February 14, 1923
Departed on November 14, 2008. Resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Memorial

Thomas J. Kenney, 85, of 419 Red Fox Road, SE, Cedar Rapids, died peacefully November 14 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Tom was born on Valentine’s Day, 1923, in St. Paul, MN, the third of seven children born to Daniel and Jane (Cassidy) Kenney. Tom's father died suddenly in 1933 leaving his mother to raise the children on her own . Needless to say, much was expected of Tom and his siblings. The older children went to work early to keep the family together. The Kenney family not only stayed together, they thrived. This formative event was the foundation of Tom's life. A life grounded in family, faith, community and service.

Tom graduated from Humboldt High School in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1941. He loved sports and played hockey, football, golf and ran track. Shortly after graduating , Tom entered the Army Air Corps. During World War II, Tom served with the 866th Bombardment Squadron, 494th Bombardment Group in the Pacific Theater. A member of the "Greatest Generation", Tom spoke little of his military service.

In 1949, with the help of the G.I. Bill, Tom obtained a B.A. in business from the College of St. Thomas. After graduation, Tom met his best friend and wife, Mary Ellen Ryan. On June 10, 1950, they married at Nativity Church in St. Paul, MN. Tom and Mary Ellen brought eight children into the world and spent the next 58 years raising their family together and giving back to their Church and the community. Their strong marriage and belief in each other laid the foundation for their childrens' character and success.

Tom's friendliness, natural curiosity and interest in others served him well in his chosen profession of sales. It was often said he never met a stranger. Tom would speak with anyone and he was always eager to help or to tell a story. Tom began a successful career with U.S. Steel in St. Paul, moving to Atlantic, IA, in 1954; Rockford, IL in 1959; and Cedar Rapids in 1967. After leaving U.S. Steel he worked for Vincent Brass and Aluminum; Intertrade Steel; and in 1974, D.C. Taylor Company. In 1980-1982, Tom and his team at D.C. Taylor Company sold and built the roof on Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City. It was one of his proudest moments. Tom retired from the Taylor Company in December of 1989. Tom enjoyed his years in the roofing business, the many friends he made, and his association with the Taylor family.

As a faithful member of All Saints Catholic Church, Tom found comfort in his strong belief in God and lived his faith every day. Tom was a past member of SCORE, Civitan, and Elmcrest Country Club. He was a community volunteer. All Saints Building and Grounds, Meals on Wheels and Mercy Medical Center were his primary focus.

Tom and Mary Ellen were always up for fun. They enjoyed golf, teaching the game to many of their grandchildren; cross country skiing; ice skating; biking; traveling and attending Kenney Family Reunions every three years all over the country. He greatly enjoyed his time on the golf course with his many buddies.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Mary Patricia Kenney, Robert Kenney and David Kenney; brothers-in-law: Edward Ryan and Jack Ryan; and sister-in-law Mary Kenney.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ellen, and children: CAPT Patricia Kenney, USN (Ret.) and Christina Joy, Bethesda, MD; Jeanne and Matthew Brandes, Molly and Edward Kempf, Thomas Kenney and fiancee Robin Johnson, Jack and Margaret Kenney, Eileen and Tony Foxhoven, all of Cedar Rapids, IA; Anne and Jeff Smart, Oak Park, IL; and Paul Ryan Kenney, Minneapolis, MN.

He was especially proud of his grandchildren: Katherine and Aden Beihl, Martha Brandes and Ronan Farrell, Laura and Thomas Ebinger; Sarah Kempf and fiance Andrew Colony; Daniel Kempf; Marcus and Joseph Kenney and their mother Jody Kurtt; John, Michele and James Kenney; Matthew, Kristin and Gregory Foxhoven; Thomas Hayes, Michael, Grace and Liam Smart; and great-grandson Lincoln Beihl.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law: John and Kathy Kenney, Tim and Dolly Kenney, Jim Kenney, Gerry Kenney, Marian Ryan, Lorraine Ryan, RoseMary Kenney,and Patty Ryan and 27 beloved nieces and nephews. In addition, Tom leaves many dear friends who will remember him as a kind man, a true friend and a real gentleman.

Tom’s family will remember him for his love of family and friends, the importance of humor and the dedication to others that he shared with us every day. We thank him for sharing these gifts and lessons with us. He will be missed but the impact of his life is apparent and lives on in all of us.

The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Gordon Baustian, Hospice of Mercy, and the caring staff at Heritage Nursing and Rehab Center. We will miss him but we thank God for the years we had together. Erin Go Bragh.

Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, at All Saints Catholic Church, with the Rev. David O'Connor officiating. Visitation from 4 to 8 PM on Monday, November 17, at Cedar Memorial , with a prayer service at 7 PM. Private family inurnment will be at a later date in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heritage Nursing and Rehab Center, Hospice of Mercy, and All Saints Capital Campaign.

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