Obituary

Jerome Joseph Kennedy Sr.
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. On February 15, 1947, in St. Patrick Catholic Church, he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Mercedes Ann Schuit. He graduated from St. Catherine's High School. Jerry faithfully served our country with the United States Army in World War II, mainly in Australia, Japan, and the South Pacific. Jerry was employed by the J.I. Case Corporation 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 a.m. 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, and Becky, Daniel, and Cara Gutnayer; three 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 in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, on Friday, December 7, 2007, at 11 a.m. 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 until 7 p.m. and in the church on Friday from 10 until 11 a.m. 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. DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 4600 County Line Road (corner of KR & Meachem) 552-9000 www.draeger-langendorf.com
Published in the Racine Journal Times on 12/5/2007.

Since i can't be at the funeral because we are too close to the baby coming, i will be writing something that will be read at the service. i will post it once it is finished.