Richard “Dick” Thomas Kennedy, 76, of Ottawa, passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022 in Sebring, Florida. Dick was born on April 5, 1946 in Ottawa to George and Bonnie (Brownfield) Kennedy.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Msgr. Mark Merdian, Pastor of Ottawa Catholic Parishes, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday, at the funeral home.
Dick graduated from Ottawa Township High School and served with distinction as a Spec 4 in the Vietnam War. While serving his country, Dick received a badge for marksmanship serving in the armored division on an APC and was awarded a purple heart for injuries sustained on the field of battle.
Mr. Kennedy married Diane Elizabeth Moss in November of 1968 and soon came to work at Libbey Owens Ford. Dick worked in both Plants 5 and 7 and advanced to become a foreman.
Dick was a member of the Knights of Columbus, The Loyal Order of the Moose, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion. While a member of the Moose, Dick used to participate in parades as a clown. In addition, he was a founding member of the defunct NamVets organization in Ottawa.
Mr. Kennedy was well loved by all those that were fortunate enough to meet him. Although he worked long hours, he always found time to participate in his kids’ activities and was responsible for starting the Little League Program at Wallace Grade School. It is safe to say his pickup truck was the sole reason Wallace was able to field a team as his players piled in the back in order to hold practice. He was also an avid Cubs and Bears fan.
Dick enjoyed visiting with family and friends and was an accomplished euchre player. He could always be counted on for a trick to help his partner. In addition, he was a bean bag player of note. When the game was on the line, you wanted to have Dick as your partner.
Family was very important to Mr. Kennedy and his loss leaves a hole that is irreplaceable. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Beth as well as his brothers, Everett and David.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Diane (Moss) and his brother Ken (Rose) Kennedy of Florida. In addition, he leaves behind 4 children; David of San Antonio, TX, Misty (Jeremy Daniels) of Marseilles, IL, Daniel (Amy Stock) of Ottawa, and Amanda (Jeff Vana) Rockey of Ottawa.
Mr. Kennedy was also blessed with having 5 grandchildren during his lifetime. Kian, Colin and Kayleigh (David) of Shorewood, IL as well as Nolan and Kennedy (Amanda) of Ottawa.
Pallbearers will be Kian and Colin Kennedy, Rob Barla, Brent and Bob Alsvig, Jim Farrell, Jeremy Daniels, and Steve Killilea. Honorary Pallbearers will be Chuck Moss, Gary Lebeau, Rich Alsvig, Art Barth, Willy Rosenkranz, Terry Fischer, and Charlie Johnson.
He was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.
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