Gerald Kennedy Obituary
Gerald Robert Kennedy, age 69 of Pilger, died Thursday October 26, 2017 at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk. He was born July 19, 1948 at Lincoln, Nebraska the son of Albert and Rosella (Mathis) Kennedy. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Church of Christ in Lincoln and attended Bethany Elementary and Robin Mickle Jr.
High in Lincoln, NE; He graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1966; and attended University of Nebraska in Lincoln; He graduated from University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture at Curtis, NE with a degree of Diesel Mechanics. As a member of the Boy Scouts of America he earned its highest honor as an Eagle Scout with 2 bronze palms.
Gerald enlisted in the United States Navy on June 5, 1969 and as a Machinist"s Mate served on the U.S.S. Forrestal (CVA-59); U.S.S. Detroit (AOE-4); U.S.S. San Diego (AFS-6); U.S.S. Caloosahatchee (AO-98); the Illinois Great Lakes Naval Training Center and for Port Services Tug Boat Basin in Norfolk, VA; On May 31, 1975 Gerald married Sandra Peterson at St. Peter"s Lutheran Church in Pilger and Gerald continued his service in the United States Navy until he was honorably discharged into retirement on January 31, 1990.
Following retirement Gerald was employed at Dohrman Manufacturing in West Point where he fabricated railroad cars. He worked at Wayne State College in Wayne as a maintenance staff member. Gerald was a member of St. Peter"s Lutheran Church in Pilger and attended St. Luke"s Lutheran Church in Stanton. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association; Roy Reed American Legion Post #252 of Winside and was honored as an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska.
His hobbies include buying and restoring old John Deere tractors; he volunteered as handyman for his church; a regular at morning coffee group in Pilger and enjoyed the time spent with his family. Surviving Gerald is his wife of 42 years, Sandra Kennedy of Pilger; 2 daughters Hannah Kathleen "Kate" and Mark Swinarski of Omaha; Amy Josephine and Adam Glienke of Washta, IA; 5 Grandchildre Alicia, Alexa, Edgar and Lilly Swinarski and Albert Glienke; his mother-in-law Leanna Peterson of Stanton; 5 siblings Garth and Sue Kennedy of Naperville, IL; Gael and Karen Kennedy of York, NE; Kent Kennedy of Lincoln; Jane Kennedy of Omaha; brother-in-law Eldon "Chip" and Marge Peterson Cedar Rapids, IA; Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents George and Helen (Slusser) Kennedy and Elmer and June (Brown) Mathis; an infant brother; and his father-in-law Eldon Peterson. Graveside Service Information: 1st: Graveside Services: Pilger Cemetery – Pilger, NE Date: Monday October 30, 2017 – 9:00 A.M. Military Rites: Roy Reed American Legion Post #252 of Winside, Nebraska 2nd: Memorial Services – St. Luke"s Lutheran Church in Stanton, NE – Date: Monday October 30, 2017 – 11:00 A.M.
