Dennis J. Kennedy

Dennis Jay Kennedy was born July 13, 1945, in Philip, South Dakota, the son of Howard and Dorothy (Aaberg) Kennedy. He grew up in Philip where he attended school through high school. He graduated from South Dakota State University in Pharmacy in 1968. Upon graduation, took a job with Walgreen Drug Stores in Phoenix, Arizona.

He worked in Phoenix for approximately a year before being drafted into the US Army. After basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, he was stationed at Madigan General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, during the Vietnam conflict.

Upon his discharge in 1971, he went back to Phoenix to work for two more years. In 1973, he moved to Denver, Colorado, and owned a clinic pharmacy for three years. Then in 1976, due to health reasons and a job opening at the drug store in Faith, he moved back to South Dakota. In the fall of 1978, he moved back to Philip to become associated with Howard and Wayne “Duck” at Kennedy Implement and Auto Company. He sold the business in 2010 and retired in Philip.

Dennis developed lifelong friends in high school and college which he would travel to visit, his favorite activity. He loved his cars, clothes and interior decorating. He loved music and was a member of the Haakon County Crooners for many years.

Survivors include brother Kent (special friend Kathy) of Rapid City, sister Judy (Paul) Goldhammer of Wall, brother Scott (Beth) of Philip, Judy’s children Heather, Shane (Val and daughter Angela) and Kempton (daughter Kennedy), Scott’s children Radley, Tyrel and Blayne, Kent’s step children Pamela, Michele, James and Jesse.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Dorothy. 

Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, July 2, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment with military honors was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established. 

I want to celebrate my brother Denny’s life today. Obviously he touched each and every one of you in a very special way.
Denny started out as a baby with health issues in the form of colic. For all of you mothers who had had a child who cries for no apparent reason, you can relate to my mother’s frustration. But more than that her main concern was a possible eviction notice from the apartment manager if he didn’t shut up. So she bounced, rocked, and cradled her first born son, as only a mother would do.
As Denny grew older his interest was drawn to music. Then later he developed an impeccable taste for art and interior design. Any of you who saw him home or room in the Silverleaf can relate to this.
One dear friend commented on her last visit with Denny, he always brought us together. He was the catalyst for social gatherings, fun and conversation. And many friends mentioned that he always treated their children as his own, going to weddings, sending cards and phone calls of encouragement. He was a very caring and loving man.
My mother was the love of his life. He never married, knowing full well no one could ever cook as well as she. But more than that, her love and devotion to him was endless. And the day she died, a part of Denny died as well.
Our mom taught us many Godly virtues which Denny never forgot…to love one another, to treat others as we would want to be treated, and give and not to receive. It was those principles he lived by, caring for elderly widows, providing Heather with wigs when she was diagnosed with cancer, as he was concerned she maintain her dignity. I guess you would say, he lived his faith.
So I encourage each of you today to take up his cross and be a better person. To help those who are lonely, to give to others, and to always say thank-you.
So thank you brother Dennis for your undying love for me, for all your beautiful cards and for taking care of me when I needed you most. Rest in peace.
Your loving sister,
Judy

FUNERAL SERVICES
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Haakon County Crooners
USHERS
Boyce Kennedy - Jack Billington
Mick Kennedy - Tim Kennedy
PALLBEARERS
Shane Olney - Kempton Olney
Tyrel Kennedy - Radley Kennedy
Rich Colvin - Nick Day
Darral Brooks - Mark Buchholz
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Haakon County Crooners
Kennedy Implement Employees
Dr. Coen Klopper - Karen Snyder
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Service Details

Visitation: 6-8 p.m. on Monday, July 2, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 3, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.
Interment with military honors: Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

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