Racine- Jerome Joseph Kennedy, Sr., 84, passed away on Sunday, December 2, 2007 at the Ridgewood Care Center, surrounded by his loving family. A lifetime resident, Jerry was born in Racine on June 9, 1923 to the late Thomas and Anna (nee: Janssen) Kennedy. He graduated from St. Catherine’s High School. Jerry faithfully served our Country with the United States Army in WWII, mainly in Australia, Japan and the S. Pacific. On February 15, 1947 in St. Patrick Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Mercedes Ann Schuit. Jerry was employed by the J.I. Case Corp. for over 40 years as a pattern designer. He was a devoted member of St. Lucy Catholic Church where he served as a 10:30 am Mass usher; former member of St. Richard (Holy Name) Church where he enjoyed singing in the choir; the Knights of Columbus Council 697; and Case 20 year club. Among his interests, Jerry was an avid golfer and was an enthusiastic square dance caller – especially in western Racine county for the developmentally disabled. Above all, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather who always placed his family as priority one in life. May he rest in peace. Surviving are his wife of over 60 years, Mercedes; their children, Susan Donaldson, Jerome (Lynel) Kennedy, Jr., Karen (Louis) Mako, Patrick Kennedy and Kathleen (Glenn) Gutnayer; 11 grandchildren, Michael (Andrea Abbott) Donaldson, Daniel (Erin) Donaldson, Kelly (Chris) Leu, Kerry (Ryan) Taylor, Amy (Lisa Kempin) Mako, Sandi (Tony) Kontny, Laura (Josh Lange) Mako, Lindsay Kennedy; Becky, Daniel and Cara Gutnayer; 3 great-grandchildren, Thomas and Kiera Taylor, and Alexandria Kontny; brother-in-law, Robert (Marge) Schuit; and sister-in-law, Betty Schuit. Further surviving are many special nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved son, Thomas Kennedy; brother, Thomas Kennedy; sisters, Mary Lou (Don) Fritchen, Mildred (William) Fabish and Ruth (Howard) Cook and brother-in-law, Jake Schuit. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 7, 2007 at 11:00 am in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 4-7 pm and in the church on Friday from 10-11 am. A heartfelt note of thanks to the wonderful staff of Ridgewood Care Center for the compassionate care and support extended to Jerry during the past two years; to Dr. Mark DeCheck for the many years of fine medical care and friendship; and to all of our friends for the constant visits, thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.
Sign the Guestbook