John P. Kennedy

John ("Pat") Patrick Kennedy, 85, died peacefully on February 21, 2026 having lived life with a quiet sincerity, steady presence, and sense of humor those closest to him adored. He was born in Luverne, MN on June 5, 1940, the oldest child of Leonard and Ellen (Flemming) Kennedy. With his siblings Paul, Mary, and Richard, he grew up working together to support the family farm, which had been homesteaded by his great grandfather. John spoke often of how - despite the work needs of the farm - his parents were steadfast in encouraging him to take part in extracurricular activities. This led him to being active in Jasper High School 4-H, student newspaper, theater productions, and basketball and football teams. He then attended South Dakota State University (SDSU) where he graduated with a political science degree and strengthened the foundation for his subsequent career through serving as Vice President of the Student Association and in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC).

One of his greatest joys and some of his favorite stories to tell were about the college summers he spent as a guide and chauffeur for a Pikes Peak tour company in Colorado Springs, CO. This time also solidified what became one of his deepest friendships - with the late Antoinette ("Toni") and Orval Lohman, former neighbors and friends of his parents who had moved from Luverne, MN to Colorado Springs, CO and hosted him during those summers. He adored and admired them, and was buoyed by their support.

After graduating from SDSU, John enrolled in graduate school at the University of Minnesota. He was recruited from there to work in the Chicago office of the United States Atomic Energy Commission where he worked for one year before leaving to complete his ROTC service as a Public Information Officer at the US Army Air Defense Center in Ft. Bliss, Texas. Upon discharge from the Army, he returned to the Chicago office and spent 47 years working for what became the US Department of Energy. At the time of his retirement in 2010, he was honored for a career of service led by his "expertise, solid counsel and commitment to resolve the most difficult challenges."

Deeper than any of his accomplishments, John's two greatest loves were his family and his golf trips with friends. He was a devoted, loving, and beloved father and grandfather. While raising his children, he was tireless in his support and interest in their many activities, meets, and performances, and could be found with tears of pride in his eyes at the end of every such event. He provided steadiness, comfort, wisdom, and endless support and encouragement to his children as they became adults, and he took such joy and delight in spending time with his grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and loved his weekly golf games and annual trips with his lifelong friends. Toward the end of his life, he shared that what he loved and missed most were these trips.

During the last several years of his life, John lived with Parkinson's disease, later developing dementia as well. His experience with these illnesses revealed his deep capacities for acceptance of what is and appreciation for what remains, even through loss. He became softer and kinder through challenge, and was loved by all who knew him in those hardest of his years. His legacy is carried forward in the stories he told, the example he set, and his unwavering love and support of his children and grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Kennedy, former spouse Mary Lou (Echlin) Kennedy, infant twins Erin and Carrie and in-laws David Echlin and Rita Leask. He is survived by his children Megan (John) Kennedy-Farrell, Cara Kennedy (Jean Prosper Elie), and Sean Kennedy; grandchildren Maura, Lucas, Jonah, and Madelyn; as well as his brothers Paul (Gloria) Kennedy and Richard Kennedy, brothers-in-law James Dallman and Robert (Cheryl) Echlin, and nieces and nephews.

Visitation Friday from 10:00 am until time of Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 8404 S. Cass Ave., Darien. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. For information contact Modell Funeral Home (630) 852-3595 or www.modelldarien.com

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research are appreciated.