Obituary of Vernon Martin Kennedy

Vernon M. Kennedy, 77, of Dyersville, Iowa died Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the University of Iowa Hospital & Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa. Friends may call from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013, at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville where a vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 2, 2013, at St. Francis Xavier Basilica in Dyersville with burial in the church cemetery. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate. Vernon was born July 13, 1936, in Farley, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Leona (Benke) Kennedy. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in Farley with the Class of 54. He married Joan Ruden on June 13, 1959, in Dyersville, Iowa. Together they farmed south of Dyersville and he continued to help his son on the farm until his last day. Vernon also did custom combining for area farmers for many years. When he was younger he played basketball and semi-pro baseball on several area teams. He enjoyed a good visit with nearly anyone, and he loved to watch his son and grandchildren in their activities and sports. Survivors include his wife, Joan, a son, Tom (Vicky) of Dyersville, 3 grandchildren: Mitchell, Bradley & Danielle Kennedy; 5 siblings: Patrick (Nelda) Kennedy of Placid, Yvonne (Duane) Werner of Dyersville, Sheila (Jim) McQuillen of Omaha, NE, Leo (Helen) Kennedy of Dubuque, Lloyd (Judy) Kennedy of Placid; a sister-in-law, Linda Ruden of Dubuque, and a brother-in-law, Earl (Karen) Ruden of Dyersville. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law, Dennis Ruden. We wish to thank the emergency room staffs at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque and at the Univ. of Iowa Hospital for their excellent and skilled care. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramerfuneral.com.