Joseph "Joe" Kennedy

A mass of Christian Burial for Joseph Francis Kennedy "Joe" was held 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 4, 2013 at the St. Brigid Catholic Church in Grand Junction, Iowa. A vigil service was 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the church. Hastings Funeral Home in Jefferson was in charge of making the arrangements. Officiating was Father Bill Brunner. Honorary bearers were: Ryan Sutherland, Brian Newton, Danny Newton, Adam Newton, Chad Newton and Chris Bishop. Casket bearers were: Gary Turner, Larry Turner, Dan Turner, Keith Hoskinson, Bubba McCloud and Jerrod McCloud. Music was done by Sheliah Pound and Monica McGregor. Dan Acton was the Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Deb Contner and Blanch Kersey were also Eucharistic Ministers as well as altar servers. Jerry Kennedy and Vince Kennedy were the ushers. Interment took place at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Grand Junction, Iowa. Following the service was a luncheon at the Parish Center. Joseph Francis Kennedy, only child of Charles P. Kennedy and Marie Elizabeth Tiffany Kennedy, was born January 9, 1941 in Jefferson, Iowa and died at his home in Grand Junction, Iowa January 30, 2013 surrounded by his family. Joe, as he was lovingly known, was 72 years old. Joe grew up on the farm, graduating from Grand Junction High School in 1959. During those years, he enjoyed 4-H and FFA. Showing Hampshire pigs at the Greene County Fair and the Iowa State Fair were high-lights of his young years. Joe continued to love the State Fair and attended even this last year, although feeling ill. One of the great interests was his Allis Chalmers, beautifully restored tractor. He would take it out for a spin, and entered in parades with it. He loved to tinker in his Morton building, loved his cattle, and taking car rides with Sue and often with Keith Hoskinson or Kurt Oathout. When healthy, Joe enjoyed hunting and fishing, and always farming! His entire life was spent on the farm, living within a five mile radius. Joe was a member of St. Brigid Catholic Church. His 37 year marriage to Sue Ripley Bishop began November 22, 1975. They moved from the farm to their new home in Grand Junction in October of 2011. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; his two sons, David and Paul Kennedy; and son-in-law Larry Newton He is survived by and will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sue; children: Chris Wright (Terry) of Woodward; Barb Newton of Grand Junction; Bill Bishop of Churdan; Betty Dykes (Jim) of Grand Junction; Brenda Kennedy (Patrick Thompson) of Grand Junction; 12 grandchildren: Chad Newton (Mia) ; Adam Newton (Rebecca); Brian Newton, Danny Newton (J.C.); Brooke Bishop; Chris Bishop; Casey Kennedy; Mindy Long (Steve); Missy Huisman; Jessie Hodson (Daniel); Ryan Sutherland (Caitlin); and Jessie Miller; 14 great-grandchildren; aunt Veronica Turner of Jefferson; many cousins; other relatives, and many friends. www.hastingsfh.com