"Ellengray - I was shocked to hear of the passing of Charles. I had the privilege of knowing Charles as a student at the School of Business. He was not only a fine student but also a good person. My thoughts are with you. Jerry Johnson, Dean Emeritus, School of Business"
In loving memory of
Charles Ambrose Kennedy
October 23, 1952 - June 12, 2022
A funeral Mass for Charlie Kennedy was held Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Divine Mercy Parish - St. John's Catholic Church in Bancroft. The Funeral was livestreamed on the Divine Mercy Catholic Parish YouTube page. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQibvUKc-1o Memorials may be directed to the Bancroft Community Foundation Summit Center in memory of Charlie Kennedy.
Charles Ambrose Kennedy was the son of Wm. A. Kennedy and Alice Higgins Kennedy, grew up in Bancroft, Iowa and graduated from St. Johns High School in 1970. He earned his undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of South Dakota in 1973. After passing his CPA exam, he practiced at a Big 8 accounting firm in Colorado before receiving his Master of Accounting & Tax from Colorado State University.
Charlie returned to Vermillion, SD to teach at the University of South Dakota, which led to the only documented impulsive move in his life. His love story began the moment he saw Ellengray. After three months of knowing Ellengray, Charlie asked her to marry him and four months later they were married on May 28, 1977, in Vermillion, South Dakota. The newlyweds moved to Flagstaff, Arizona where their son Patrick was born. From there the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa and then to Bancroft, Iowa where Charlie joined his dad as a fourth-generation banker at Farmers & Traders Savings Bank and their son Stuart was born. Charlie and Ellengray were blessed and grateful to celebrate their 45th anniversary, May 28, 2022.
Faith, his marriage to Ellengray, his family and his friends were important to Charlie. He believed in the full potential of rural life, that we are here by choice and that there are no limits to the opportunities in small town living. Charlie also believed in the full potential of people, he was inclusive and focused on the strengths of all people in his life. Charlie was known for listening first, giving thoughtful consideration and sharing his thoughts and views when appropriate. Charlie was generous with sharing his God given talents, his love, his time and his various resources. He believed in leading by example and was a servant leader. He strived to think globally and act locally.
Charlie was proud that he and Ellengray raised their sons to be independent, thoughtful and freethinking. It should also be noted that he passed along his sense of humor to both Patrick and Stuart. The experiences gained through travel and the relationships built throughout his journey provided richness to his life. In addition, those who love him will carry on his legacy of preparing good food and sharing conversation.
Charlie found joy in each day and was grateful for his many blessings. He also found pleasure and comfort in all the people he collaborated with, all the projects accomplished, his extended family and his marriage with Ellengray. Charlie's legacy will live on through his sons Patrick & Stuart, along with his daughters in love Lindsey and Jessica and his five grandchildren Landen, Julian, Iyla, Max and Tommy. Charlie leaves behind his siblings Jan Kennedy Allen, Thomas Kennedy, Teresa Kennedy, Mary and Russ Seiler, John Kennedy, Robert and Liz Kennedy and cherished members of the Kennedy and Gutzman families. Charlie has now joined his family members and many friends who have gone before him.
Tributes
"Ellengray - I, along with a few others in the Theta house, watched the beginning of your wonderful 45 year relationship and knew it was a great match. All the tributes for Charlie mention his kindness, love, fairness and dedication but what we knew in those early days of your relationship that he chose as his wife, someone that exhibited those same attributes. I will love you forever Ellengray. I am so terribly sad about your loss. TLAM, Mary Kay"
"Ellengray - I am so very sorry to hear about Charlie. I really enjoyed working with him when you folks were in Des Moines. My sincere and heartfelt condolences. Jeff Jungman"
"I am so sorry to hear about Charlie\'s passing. My thoughts and prayers to the entire Kennedy Family. Charlie was a gentleman and a very kind soul. I always enjoyed talking with him about a lot more than just banking. "
"Deepest sympathy to you Ellengray and the whole Kennedy family. Charlie gave me my first job even when I had no experience. I will always appreciate his willingness to give me a chance. Thoughts and prayers to you all. Barb and Craig Nemmers"
"Ellengray so very sorry for your loss! Charlie was such a kind and lovely man. Prayers for you and your family."
"Deepest sympathy to Charlie?s family. He will be missed by so many life\'s he has touched. Thoughts and prayers to all. Harris and Betty Harms"
"Ellengray, Patrick and Stuart and all the Kennedy family, We are very saddened to hear about Charlie\'s passing. He was such a blessing to the community and all the people around him. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Ken and Katie Bollig"
"Just learned of Charlie?s passing. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to the Kennedy family. R.I.P. Charlie."
"To all the Kennedy?s and extended family and friends, we share in your sadness. May the many memories and Charlie?s legacy carry you through. Our deepest sympathies to all. Dave & Laurie (Ferguson) DeGroff"
"Charlie was a kind and generous man. He was not the sort of man who only talked about loving his neighbor, he actually did things to show his love. Our prayers are with Ellengray and the rest of the family. Pastor Jerry Miller"
"To Charlies family Condolences to all of u. Charlie was a great guy. So sorry to hear of the the lose. He was a great guy. RIP Charlee.. Gary anKaren Chaput. "
"My Deepest Sympathy, Ellengray & sons, for your lose, May the Lord be with you always. "
"We sadly learned of the passing of a cherished friend, Charlie Kennedy of Bancroft. He was a truly wonderful person who touched many people and made their lives better. He was a great man. He worked hard to serve his church and community. The world was a better place because Charlie was in it. He and his dear wife, Ellengray, were always willing to lend support to good causes. Along wth Victoria Koesler, Charlie created Backstage in Bancroft, bringing a number of fun plays to Kossuth County over the last decade. I was lucky to be a part of a number of them. I will always be grateful to Charlie for making it all happen. I have never met a nicer man than Charlie. It was a great blessing to know him and be his friend. Our prayers go up for his wife and family. Look forward to seeing him again in Heaven."
"Ellengray, Patrick? Stuart and families I am so sorry about your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Kerry and Tony Kahler "
"Hugs to you Ellengray, and to you and your family I send my Deepest Sympathy . May God bless you with strength and comfort in the days ahead. "
"Stu, Jess, and the whole Kennedy family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers Alison Angstrom and Family "
"Ellengray, Sons and the Kennedy family, I?m so very sorry for your loss. May the memories and love you shared bring your comfort in your sorrow. God bless you all. Sara (Ulses) Brinker "
"Ellengray and family my sympathies and prayers."
"Ellengray and all sorry to hear about charlie may he RIP. Prayers for the famly"
"Ellengray and all the Kennedy family, Charlie is one of a kind, with a smile and a helping hand to many. My heart goes out to all of you, and I will keep you in my ongoing prayers. "
"Ellengray and Family, Our prayers go with you and the entire Kennedy family. Charlie?s crooked smile and warm insightful conversations will be missed on our travels home. He is a special soul. Ed & Julie Degen"
"Ellengray & all the family, Our hearts go out yo you. In this difficult past year, we are so glad you were able to have more good times and to enjoy special memories together to cherish in the future. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you."
"Ellengray and family We are sincerely sorry for your loss. Charlie will be missed by so many. He fought a good fight and now in heaven rejoicing with our Lord. Am sure Mom and Dad welcomed him with open arms. No more pain for him. Lots of memories to share amongst all of you with laughter and tears. God Bless "