John "Jack" Kennedy

John “Jack” Kennedy, 80, of Green Bay, passed away on Thursday, May 4 at Unity Hospice in De Pere. He was born to Peter and Marie (Leary) Kennedy on January 18, 1937 in Butte, MT. He attended Butte Central High School graduating in 1955. Upon graduating, he moved to San Francisco with friends where he met his future wife, Phyllis King. They were married on January 15, 1966 at Resurrection Church in Allouez. Their three sons, John, Pat, and Rob were all born in San Francisco. In September of 1971 they returned to Green Bay where they have resided ever since. Jack was a Journeyman Plumber and a member of the Local 298/400 since 1963, becoming a life member on 8/14/2013 (50 years). He retired in 1999 and spent time traveling to visit friends and family. An avid Packer fan, he held a season ticket since 1972 and rarely missed a game in 45 years, only failing to attend when his health declined – but he was sure to be watching the game at home. He enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of a bridge club for many years, hosting some high-spirited bridge parties. He was an avid reader, enjoyed completing the daily crossword puzzle and word scramble, was fond of yard work, and enjoyed taking his dogs out for long walks around the neighborhood. Jack was very proud of his Irish heritage and was thrilled to be able to spend two weeks traveling through Ireland. He had a strong love and devotion to his friends and family and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He maintained close contact with friends from his high school days and was able to attend his 60th class reunion. He enjoyed regaling us with stories of the escapades he and friends had while growing up in Butte. He was involved in numerous organizations while his children were growing up: little league coach for his sons, soccer coach, scout leader, member of the Abbot Pennings Parents Club as well as the Pennings Booster Club. Whenever any of his sons were participating in sporting events he would be there to cheer them on, and he especially enjoyed following the Abbot Pennings and St. Norbert football teams no matter where they were playing. Later he would be an ever present at his grandkid’s athletic activities. Jack was also very active in the community, as a Bell Ringer for the Salvation Army, volunteering for Rebuilding Together of Greater Green Bay, and the Project Heat’s On – a program where volunteers from the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union 400 visited low income and senior citizen homeowners to check their furnaces for the upcoming winter season free of charge. He is survived by sons John, Pat, and Rob: grandchildren Abby and Gavin: brother Mike (Donna) Kennedy, Forsyth, MT: and many nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis: parents Peter and Marie: two sisters, Delores “Dodie” Rolando, Mildred (William) Fleiner; and brother Joe Kennedy. Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere, on Thursday, May 18 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A parish prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Dr, Allouez, on Friday, May 19 from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45am. The Mass of Christian Burial for Jack will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Robert Morneau officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. Friends and family are invited to commemorate and celebrate his life at St. Brendan's Inn, Green Bay, on Saturday, May 20 beginning at 4:00 p.m. Food will be served until 7:00 p.m. The Family would like to extend a special thank you to all the wonderful people at Unity Hospice, the staff at Rennes Health and Rehab Center, the caregivers from Home Instead Senior Care (Darrell, Letia, Allison, and Sharon), the staff at St. Vincent Hospital, and the team at the Brown County ADRC.

Reception:
Resurrection Catholic Church
333 Hilltop Drive
Green Bay, WI