"We are so sorry for your loss. Bill will be missed by all of you, lots of good memories of your Dad and remember them with laughs and tears. Many thoughts and prayers for all of you .?"
In loving memory of
William A. "Bill" Kennedy
December 9, 1927 - September 5, 2021
William A. (Bill) Kennedy was the son of Ambrose and Rose (Brink) Kennedy. He was born and lived in Bancroft, Iowa his entire life, except during his college years and his time spent serving in the Korean War.
Bill was quite the mischievous young man! One of his favorite escapades was instead of tipping over an outhouse for a Halloween prank, he would move the outhouse 1-2 feet forward so when the next person came along to tip it over, he/she would end up with icky feet!!! In later years, when an adult would call him 'Billy', we knew they were aware of his reputation.
He married Alice Higgins on October 15, 1951 and they celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary last year. Bill and Alice enjoyed numerous trips and spending their winters in Arizona. While the kids were growing up, the family ventured on annual vacations, including California, Texas, and the East coast, with Bill typically driving a huge motorhome. One trip which continues to prompt many memories, is the family trip to Ireland. Bill and Alice also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and many foreign countries with friends. In Arizona, Bill and several friends organized the 'Cactus Club', and proudly wore their hats noting the group was 'just a bunch of old pricklies'!
Bill was the third generation President of Farmers & Traders Savings Bank. He was proud of the many ways the bank helped improve the Bancroft area. After retirement, one of his favorite daily rituals was walking through the bank and visiting with the bank employees. He loved to be clever with crisp dollar bills for the kid's birthday presents. And his way of embracing technology, was to include 'dollarbill' in his email address.
He was proud to be part of the Bancroft Building Company, a group of businessmen who helped with countless local projects, including starting up the North Kossuth Golf Course. In a speech to the local Rotary Club, he reverently talked about the 'notorious' members of the so-called 'Bancroft Mafia': the getaway driver, cover up man, drug dealer, deal maker, undertaker, protector, and money launderer. Bill was one of the first Bancroft business people to visit with Dean Maschoff about moving the Aluma trailer manufacturing business to Bancroft. One of the most insightful achievements of this group during Bill's tenure, was replacing the majority of Bancroft's main street wooden structures with brick and motor. Even today, visitors to Bancroft are complimentary on how the town's main street is attractive and well maintained.
He was an excellent golfer and certainly enjoyed being able to golf year round. He was responsible for teaching golf to most of his children and grandchildren, and thoroughly enjoyed beating them at a round. Whoever golfed with Bill knew he could keep track of every score in the foursome.
Bill was a generous man, donating time and money to many local events and organizations. Among the numerous boards he served on were the Bancroft City Council, North Kossuth Golf Course, and Bancroft and Shannon Apartments. Bill was also a member and avid supporter of the Bancroft Community Foundation.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Accura Healthcare in Bancroft for their conscientious and attentive care of Bill. They were all so kind and went above and beyond the call of duty.
Surviving Bill are his seven children: Charlie and Ellengray Kennedy of Bancroft; Jan Kennedy-Allen of Vadnais Heights, MN; Tom Kennedy of Denver, CO; Teresa Kennedy of Bancroft, Mary and Russ Seiler of Humboldt, IA; John Kennedy of Clive, IA; and Bob and Liz Kennedy of West Des Moines, IA. Grandchildren are: Patrick and Lindsey Kennedy and their children Julian and Max; Stuart and Jess Kennedy and their children Landen, Iyla, and Tommy; Brian Allen, Kaitlyn Kennedy, Jake and Tiffany Kennedy, and David Seiler. His siblings, Jim and Ellen Kennedy, and JoAnn McDonald, also survive Bill.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Alice; two-year old daughter, Patricia Rose; four-month old grandson, Andrew Kennedy; his parents; and his sisters: Bernice Kohlhaas, Maxine Welp, and Shirley Horan.
After the private family service and burial, there will be a public Celebration of Life for both Bill and Alice Kennedy at the Main Street Pub in Bancroft on Monday, September 13, 2021, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. Memorials may be directed to the Bancroft Community Foundation, in Bill's memory.
Tributes
"RIP BILL! Sorry for all of your family at this time. Amazing to think that after 69 years together Bill did not have to live long after Alice. They were a special couple and very proud of you kids! He was very special to Carol and I. God Bless you all! Love , Jane Higgins Johnston"
"My deepest sympathy to the entire Kennedy family. Bill was such a wonderful man, he and Alice sent a bottle of champagne along with my parents to celebrate my graduation from the University of Iowa. May all of the wonderful memories give you peace during this sad time.??"
"My deepest sympathy to the entire Kennedy family. As generous and much as they did for the Bancroft community, their greatest contribution on this earth was to raise an awesome and loving family. They can both rest in God\'s kingdom knowing they did good!"
"My deepest sympathy to the entire Kennedy family. Bill & Alice were always so kind to our Mom & Dad. They were very lucky to have them as neighbors. May they all rest in peace now. ???"
"I have many memories growing up across the street from Bill and Alice. Bill always stopped to talk to us on his walk home from the bank and we could always count on Bill for a generous contribution to our lemonade stands! Prayers during this difficult time. Abby Bartolo-Costello "
"I salute the contributions of this great veteran. He always had time to talk Army with me when we crossed paths."
"I\'m so sorry to hear about Bil\'s death. My sympathy to his family. He was a great friend and I always enjoyed visiting with him and Alice. So many wonderful memories.. "
"So sorry to hear of your loss. Bill was a big asset to Bancroft over the years. The family is in my prayers and thoughts."
"My prayers and sympathy to the Kennedy family."
"Thinking of all of you. Have known Bill all my life. A lot of people will miss him."
"Our thought and prayers are with you all! Bill was a one of a kind guy always so kind and thoughtful and always has a hello and time to talk! He will be Missed by many"
"My deepest sympathy to the Kennedy family! Bill always had time to visit, a great smile and great advice! He will definitely be missed! RIP Bill ??"