John Lee Kennedy

John Lee Kennedy, loving father, dedicated husband, and friend to all peacefully passed away on October 9, 2025, surrounded by each of his four children. 

John was born on May 24, 1942, to Olga Gautz and Theodore Kennedy and was one of nine siblings growing up on a small family farm in Genoa, Ohio. As a child and young man John developed a lifelong love of farming and animals as well as a strong work ethic. He attended and graduated from Clay Genoa High School, continuing to work on the family farm as well as the neighboring Robert D. Huss Dairy Farm throughout middle and high school. John’s young work experiences profoundly and positively shaped him for his entire life.

After high school, John continued his farm and other work. He eventually landed a job in the elevator industry. Through an apprenticeship program that required consistent learning, John spent over four decades in the elevator industry. He progressed to become a seasoned mechanic specializing in elevator service and maintenance. In the elevator industry, John was known for his technical knowledge, outstanding troubleshooting skills, sense of humor, and the ability to make friends with anyone. 

John met the love of his life, Phyllis, when he was 34 years old. There was an instant connection between the two and after six months, they began their blended family married adventure on July 24 th , 1976. Together, they would spend the next 25 years working and living in Northwest Ohio while John continued his work in the elevator industry.

John retired from the elevator industry in 2001. John’s post-retirement life with Phyllis would involve moves to Alaska (best fishing), Colorado (best wood working), Texas (best Bible study), and ultimately Utah (best weather) where they eventually settled in St. George. During retirement, John filled his time by volunteering at Habitat, engaging in custom woodworking projects, dancing with Phyllis, and attending bluegrass jams. He also enjoyed traveling on trips with family as well as visits to family. During his later years, as his mobility diminished, John became an avid and diligent jigsaw puzzler. 

John will always be remembered for his kind and genuine nature. He thoroughly enjoyed talking with and making friends with everyone. He set the standard as a dedicated husband and loving father to his four children John Jr., Michele, Mike, and Dave. 

John was preceded in death by his siblings Donald, Lee, Glen, Mary Ellen, Jean, and Theodore, as well as his wife Phyllis.

He is survived by his children John Jr (Ida) Kennedy, Michele (Scott) Willoughby, Mike (Angie) Kennedy, Dave (Kim) Kennedy; his sister Carolyn (Earl) Klaege, brother David (Marlene) Kennedy, sister-in-law Sharon (Jack) Wineman; his grandchildren Ashley (Nathan) McJunkin, Ellie Kennedy, and great grandson Luke McJunkin.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 10:00am at Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 S. Dixie Drive, St. George, UT 84770.