Jack Kennedy

Jack Kennedy passed away April 28, 2022 on his 55th wedding anniversary. 

Jack was born in Denver, the eldest of three children of Jack and Leona Kennedy. He was raised on a farm in northeastern Colorado, where he developed a love for the land and having fun. Pranks and practical jokes were his forte in high school, including releasing baby skunks in the movie theater, setting outhouses on fire and messing with the local cops. 

He learned the value of hard work at an early age.  This work ethic served him well throughout life as a farmer and County Commissioner.  Jack was known for his common sense, ability to get along with people and if he thought something was the right decision - a stubborn streak that didn't stop. 

On April 28, 1967, he married Nancy Stout. After graduating from the University of North Colorado with a degree in Education, he taught Industrial Arts until he returned home to farm.  He often bragged that none of his students lost a finger in his shop classes.  Three children and six grandchildren were raised on his farm. One adorable great-granddaughter arrived in 2019.

Family was the most important thing to Jack.  He went out of his way to make sure that all of the grandchildren spent lots of time with Nancy and himself.  Their home functioned as a bed and breakfast, that rotated grandchildren through for decades learning how to play cards, how to cheat at cards, how to shoot a gun and how to drive under his watchful eye.  We, his children, never knew if Dad or the grandchildren were, actually running the show.  A snap of the fingers would bring him running to see what they wanted.  He was fluent in SpongeBob Square Pants, ICarly and The Office.  Never one to hold back from speaking his mind, he wasn't afraid to jokingly ask if we forgot to fix our hair today or offer to pay a seamstress to fix his granddaughter's distressed jeans. 

Friends were invited to stop by the farm anytime for his "man" parties.  Men and his granddaughters were the only ones allowed to attend, where stories were told, beverages consumed and heated political debates ensued. Through it all, lifelong friendships were developed and nurtured even after he moved to Holdrege, Neb. in 2019.

His final years were spent, learning to root for and be disappointed in, the Nebraska Husker football team; enjoying visits from his family; and trips with Nancy.  A woodworking shop allowed him to make furniture for his home and his children's homes.  Sharp-witted, compassionate and generous defined his character. 

Those who will miss him, his gentle spirit and contagious laugh include his wife Nancy Kennedy, Holdrege; children Anita Dow and DeWane, Holdrege, Dan Kennedy and Leah, Clay Center, Neb., and Celena Kennedy, Sidney, Neb.; grandchildren Evan Dow and fiancé Morgan Hamling, Abby Kennedy, Hannah Kennedy, Aaron Dow, Rebecca Kennedy and Madalyn Kennedy; great-granddaughter Zelda Walston; sister Jodel Ramirez; brothers-in-law Barry Hovel, Roger Stout and Jim Wozniak; as well as sisters-in-law Barbara Stout and Denise Wozniak.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Janelle Hovel; and his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Luna.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Holyoke Volunteer Fire Department.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jack L. Kennedy will be held on Wednesday, May 4 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Holyoke with Father Jerry Rohr as Celebrant. Interment will follow at the Holyoke Cemetery.

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege and Baucke Funeral Home in Holyoke are providing arrangements.