LeRoy W. Kennedy

LeRoy W. Kennedy, age 90 of Glenwood, died Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at home under the care of his family and Glacial Ridge Hospice. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 21st at 10:30 a.m. at East Zion Lutheran Church in rural Starbuck with Pastor Steve Carmany officiating. Visitation will Thursday, April 20th from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial will be in the East Zion Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

LeRoy Wilbur Kennedy was born on December 10, 1932 in Murray County, Minnesota. He was the first of three children born to Wilbur and Minnie (Krei) Kennedy. LeRoy was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. At the age of eight, his family moved to Becker, where he attended Karger’s County School and Becker High School. When he as 17 the family moved to Morris. Three years later, on March 21, 1952, LeRoy was united in marriage to Byrdella Banister. They made their home on a farm just outside of Danvers, where LeRoy farmed and the two began their family. Some years later, they purchased a farm in Langhei Twp, south of Starbuck, where they raised their three children and enjoyed 45 years of marriage before Byrdella passed away. LeRoy later married Carol (Jackson) Braaten and the two resided in Glenwood.

LeRoy farmed his entire life. He was a longtime, faithful and active member of East Zion Lutheran Church. His hobbies included camping and fishing. He was interested in cars and John Deere tractors and enjoyed traveling, especially a good road trip. He will be remembered for his generosity and willingness to help others.

LeRoy passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at his home, under the care of his family and Glacial Ridge Hospice.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Kennedy of Glenwood, his son, Bob (Val) Kennedy of Bremerton, WA; his daughter, Jane Kennedy of Portland, OR; and step-children, Brad (LeeAnn) Braaten of DeGraff, Byron (Joanne) Braaten of Starbuck, Barry (Jodie) Braaten of Glenwood, and Brenda (Darrel) Steen of Brooten; along with 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Marlene Kennedy of Starbuck; sister-in-law, Karen Kennedy of Henderson Nevada; as well as other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Byrdella in 1997; his son, William “Bill”; a sister, Bonnie Mae Helberg; and a brother, Darold Kennedy.

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