Howard Leary Kennedy Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Howard Leary Kennedy, 87, passed away on June 26, 2022 at Big Meadows Nursing Home in Savanna, IL. Born September 30, 1934, to Howard and Caroline (Leary) Kennedy in Byron, IL. He graduated from Byron high school, and received a Bachelor’s degree from Beloit College and a Master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. After he began teaching, he met the love of his life, Kathleen “Kathy” Baenziger of Genoa, Illinois. They were married on October 5, 1963, and raised four children. Friends and family who wish to watch the livestream may do so at this link, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1529647317479433. He was dedicated to his family and community. After coming to Thomson in the late 1960’s, Mr. Kennedy spent most of his career as the Superintendent of Thomson Schools. He served a term as Carroll County Regional Superintendent and finished off his career helping with the Chadwick-Milledgeville annexation, then becoming Chadwick Jr. High Principal until retirement in 1993. He was a member of Lion’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Savanna Moose Lodge, helped at Carroll County Senior Center, and served on Thomson Melon Days Committees. He enjoyed meeting new people, playing golf and cards, camping, traveling, family gatherings, and watching Cubs Baseball. Howard is survived by his wife, Kathy, of Fulton; four children, Kelli Haub (Brian Thibodeau) of Chadwick, Jeanette (Jeff) Ashby of Thomson, Patrick (Linda) Kennedy of Lanark, and Michele (Steve) Hartman of Chadwick; eight grandchildren, Kayla Haub (Austin Blume), Josh Haub, Ryan (Ashley) Ashby, Kurt (Angela) Kennedy, Morgan (Dylan) Vidinich, SSGT Karalicia Kennedy, Sabreena and Samantha Hartman; two great granddaughters Karter and Khloe Blume, two great grandchildren on the way; niece, Vicki Sims; and nephew, Jeff Kennedy He is preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law; daughter-in-law, Ellen Kennedy; brother, Robert Kennedy; sister, Dorothy Liddle; niece, Linda Dockins; and nephew, Steve Woods. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Howard’s life will be held at Antl Hall at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna, IL, on Sunday, July 10, 2022 from 2pm to 5pm. A funeral mass will be held the following morning, Monday July 11, at 11am. There will be a one hour visitation prior to Monday’s Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Kathy, to be used for a cause important to Howard.

Howard Leary Kennedy

September 30, 1934 - June 26, 2022