Howard Kennedy was born in Philip, South Dakota on July 10, 1917. He was the oldest of five children born to George and Anna (Howe) Kennedy. He attended grade school in Grindstone where George’s family homesteaded in 1916.
Howard attended Marietta boarding school his first year of high school and the remaining three years in Cottonwood, graduating with a class of thirteen in 1935. Right out of high school he went to Fresno, California and picked peaches so that he and his brother, Wayne, could attend college. He attended Black Hills Normal in Spearfish. He then went to Wall and taught grade school for two years where he met his wife Dorothy Aaberg, the home economics teacher. On March 18, 1941, they eloped to Broadus, Montana and kept the wedding a secret until school was out that spring.
They moved to Denver, Colorado where Howard worked as an adjustor for two years for the CCC. He then taught ground school at the Army Glider School in Fort Morgan, Colorado for a year. Following, they moved to Riverton, Wyoming where he worked as an insurance adjustor.
Fate brought them back to Philip in 1944 where they spent the rest of their lives. Later that year Howard purchased the International Harvester Dealership from Carl Prichard. He continued to teach and run the business until 1946. Later he and his brother, Wayne, purchased a ranch together and ran the Kennedy Implement as a partnership until Wayne’s death in 1981. Howard devoted over 60 years of his life operating the Kennedy Implement.
To Howard and Dorothy’s union were born four children, Dennis Kennedy of Philip, Kent Kennedy and special friend Kathy Clark of Rapid City, Judy Goldhammer and spouse Paul of Wall, and Scott Kennedy and his wife Beth of Philip. He is survived by six grandchildren Heather Olney, Shane Olney, Kempton Olney, Radley Kennedy, Tyrel Kennedy, and Blayne Kennedy; and also one great-granddaughter Kennedy Marie Olney. Howard is also survived by one brother Bob Kennedy and his wife Helen of Sioux Falls; and one sister Doris Billington and her husband Johnny of Sun City, Arizona.
Howard was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy; two brothers Wayne “Duck” Kennedy, and Bryce Kennedy; and his parents George and Anna.
Visitation was held 3-7 p.m. on Friday, June 12, at the Philip High School Gym with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at the Philip High School Gym with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment with Masonic Rites by the Philip Lodge #153 and the Crescent Lodge #210, was held at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial is established.
FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, June 13, 2009 - 2:00 p.m.
Philip High School Gym
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Marianne Frein - Pianist
Haakon County Crooners
“In The Garden”
“The Lord’s Prayer”
READER
Paul Goldhammer
EULOGY
Shane Olney
TRIBUTE TO GRANDPA
Blayne Kennedy
USHERS
Mark Buchholz - Darral Brooks
Jody Brown - Jerry Roseth
ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
Heather Olney - Radley Kennedy
Shane Olney - Tyrel Kennedy
Kempton Olney - Blayne Kennedy
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
James Gingras - Jesse Gingras - Don Burns
Rich Colvin - Elry Hoefs - Charles Ekstrum
Mike West - Mel Smith - Roy Roseth
Steve Buchholz - Lynn Weishaar
All Employees of Kennedy Implement
And All Nieces and Nephews
INTERMENT WITH MASONIC RITES
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Philip Lodge #153
Crescent Lodge #210
Guest Book
Judy, Heather, Shane, and Kempton,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Remember that the Lord will watch over you and be with you at all times. Treasure the 91 years of memories that you have.
~ Janelle Madsen Popwell
Wellington, Texas (6/9/2009)
I was saddened to hear of Howard's passing. I remember him from when I was a child, going into Kennedy Implement with my parents (Earl & Erma Gabriel). He touched many lives & will be missed by all who knew him. Just remember he's in a better place now, happy & no longer in pain. If there's anything I can do please don't hesitate to let me know. God be with you all.
~ Cindy (Gabriel) Nuzum
Philip, SD (6/9/2009)
My appreciation and memories of your father and grandfather will live on. Howard welcomed the ProHarvest Support team of CaseIH each harvest season while his family invited me into their lives with genuine friendship. You are special people. Peace and comfort to all.
~ Ron Ward
Caputa, SD (6/9/2009)
To all the Kennedy family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Losing someone is hard but know that he is not in pain or suffering and that he is never really gone because he will live on in your hearts and in your memories.
~ Nicki Ireland Nelson
Midland (6/9/2009)
Dennis, Kent, Scott and Judy. Our love and prayers are with you and your families at this time. Sincerely Susan and Denny Walsh
~ Dennis & Susan Walsh
Miami, FL. (6/9/2009)
To the Kennedy Family,
May God comfort you during this time of sorrow. We have many memories of Howard, he will be missed. Blessings.
~ Doug and Nancy Thorson
Quinn (6/9/2009)
Deepest sympathy to the whole Kennedy family. We have known Howard for many years and he will be missed by all. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow. Sincerely Bev and Cork Jahner
~ Bev & Cork Jahner
Kerrville, Texas (6/9/2009)
To the Kennedy Family:
We were sorry to learn of Howard's passing. You all were blest to have such wonderful parents and grandparents. May the love of family and friends help comfort you at your time of loss.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City, SD (6/9/2009)
Denny, Kent, Judy, & Scott,
I was saddened to hear about the Howard's death. I only met him a couple of times, but I know the loss of a parent is difficult no matter the age. God's blessing over all of you, as well as the grandchildren, as you walk through this valley of darkness.
~ Mark Ford
Sartell, MN (6/9/2009)
To The Kennedy Family
I am so sorry to hear about howard.... he was a wonderful man.... i worked with him every day this last year and i will truly miss him.
once again you are in my prayers
~ Alexis Conklin
philip (6/9/2009)
Our love and prayers are with the Kennedy Family. We have known Kent and Scott for many years. Cherish your many memories and may God Bless you all. Dave and Judy Gano
~ Dave and Judy Gano
Meadow,SD (6/9/2009)
My thoughts are with the Howard Kennedy family. I have known Howard since childhood. My family has had very close relations with the Kennedy's from sports in Quinn to buying many trucks etc thru Howard at Kennedy Implement. My parents, Roy and Violet Johnson were in the trucking business at Quinn, SD. Our prayers are with the family.
~ Curt Johnson
Rapid City, SD (6/9/2009)
Howard was a tremendous supporter of BHSU athletics! We will miss him and his leadership. We appreciate all you have done for us Howard. Rest in peace.
~ Steve Meeker
Black Hills State University (6/9/2009)
Denny, Kent, Judy and Scott....Sorry for your loss...Howard was always a friend to our whole family. Dad (Glenn) always felt a special bond with Howard, I know he is wishing you all the best in your sorrow...Thanks to all your family for being our friends throughout the years....Glenn, Steve, Jerry, Dan Ferley and all our families
~ Steve Ferley
1930 Galaxy Dr. (6/9/2009)
Judy, Heather, Shane & Kempton
Sorry to hear about your loss, he will be greatly missed by all that knew him. You are all in my prayers at this very difficult time.
~ Teresa Walker (Williams)
Philip, SD (6/9/2009)
My sincerest condolences to each of you. May fond memories be what you remember the most.
~ Becky (Vos) Logsdon
Cheyenne, WY (6/9/2009)
It was a honor to get to know Howard - He was and always will be very special to me. I know Rod has very good memories of living in the Kennedy home during high school. May God remain very close to you all during this hard time.
~ Lee Ann & Rod Knutson
Philip (6/9/2009)
Denny, Kent, Judy, Scott, and all of Howard's family,
Our deepest regards to all of you in the loss of your loved one. What a guy and what wonderful memories I have of him and your mother.
We send our sincere sympathy to all of you.
May God our Father give him eternal Peace
Ed and Joyce
~ Ed and Joyce Buchholz
Belle Fourche (6/9/2009)
So saddened to hear of your Dad/Grandpa's death. I will always remember the man who was always a gentleman and knew me no matter where we met. I had the utmost respect for my friend. You were so lucky to have him as your Dad and Grandfather. I know that he rarely missed a rodeo that the kids were participating in. He obviously had great love for his family. I am so glad that I got to know him and his family. May God help you through this difficult time.
~ Harvey & Kathy (Tibbs) McPherson
Caputa, SD (6/9/2009)
Scott Beth and family, things will not be the same around the NH with out Howard. He was an amazing man and I am very honored that I got the chance to take care of him.I will always remember the times he would wake up and sneak around the corner for his midnight snacks! May God bless everyone of you..
~ Krystal Noteboom
Philip (6/9/2009)
My sincere sympathy to each of you. Everyone who ever knew Howard has their own special memory of him to hold close to their heart. A couple of my older memories of Howard are; going to town with my grandpa or dad as a young girl and seeing Mr. Kennedy when we would get parts, or when I got older and could drive having to slow down when I would see that GMC pickup up the road, because you could be guaranteed that Howard was driving a little below the speed limit. The last couple of years when I was working at the Silverleaf and the hospital I really enjoyed having Howard as my pal and chatting with him about the good ole’ days. He was always such a sweetheart and so grateful for anything you did for him, even if it was just taking time to sit and chat. He will always hold a special place in my heart and I am honored to have had the chance to take care of him and have him as a friend. I hope you are all reminiscing about the great memories you have to help you through this difficult time.
Love and prayers,
Wendy Cook-Madsen
P.S. – Howard-Yes, it did rain at Cottonwood today, it’s actually pretty muddy! (When he was at the Silverleaf he would ask me this every morning when I came to work!)
~ Wendy Cook-Madsen
Cottonwood, SD (6/9/2009)
Another Philip patriarch is gone...often times a town is what it is because of a core group of "old timers" that made it that way. They committed themselves, their families and their livlihoods to the area. You can hear their names all around-close to home and away-and people will think "Philip." Howard and Dorothy were amongst those people who worked to make Philip a viable community. They stuck it out in good and bad and made it home. It's hard to lose those folks now-so much of the history goes with them. We know that you all have many fond memories to help you cope with the loss of Howard. He was a true gentleman. Blessings to all of you.
~ Jason and Vonda Hamill and Family
Milesville (6/9/2009)
To the Whole Kennedy Family---
I never lived in Philip but from the time I was a small child, my Dad, Doc Millstead would tell me Kennedy family stories--my Dad was proud that the Millsteads' and the Kennedys' were lifelong friends. The last few months of my Dad's life, he and Howard were tablemates at Silverleaf, and whenever I visited I got to listen to all the wonderful stories. Denny, you also were so great to my Dad in the last months, and Bob, thank you too for visiting Doc on his last day on earth.
It is the end of a great era, but the Kennedys' and their generosity will long be remembered.
~ Marsha Millstead
Marsha1234@aol.com (6/9/2009)
My thoughts and sympathy are with you all in the loss of Howard. He was a very special guy. He always had time to visit with you and make you smile. He will be missed by all who knew him.
~ Bonnie Fitzgerald
Memphis, TN (6/9/2009)
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
~ Kari Porch
Pierre SD (6/9/2009)
Kent, Scott, Dennis and Judy,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. You have some mighty big boots to fill. Howard loved life to the max. He will be missed. Love and prayers. God Bless You all.
~ Jeanie Heidler Lesmeister
Faith, SD (6/9/2009)
Dear Cousins Dennis, Kent, Judy & Scott & all your family, including your Aunt Doris & Uncle Bob: On behalf of the entire Martin Howe Family (180 of us), I wish to say that our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you upon the passing of your dear father and grandfather and brother, Howard Kennedy, who without a doubt, is now with the Angels in Paradise! Howard's mother, Anna Howe Kennedy, was the sister of my Grandpa Martin Howe. Howard was always so good-natured & hospitable to his Howe cousins whenever they came down to visit from Saskatchewan, Canada. The families of two of Anna Howe Kennedy's sisters (Sadie Howe Landers & Matilda Howe Hatlelid) have been informed of Howard's passing. With deepest condolences & cousinly love,
Your kinsman, Dale Martin Howe Caragata, of Toronto
~ Dale Martin Howe Caragata
Toronto, Ontario, Canada (6/9/2009)