Arthur Kennedy

Arthur M. Kennedy

Age 99 of Wilmington, passed away peacefully August 3, 2007 at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home in Joliet, IL.

Born June 5, 1908 to Michael and Margaret (O'Connor) Kennedy in Florence Township on the family farm. He attended White School, a one-room school in Florence Township, and then graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1927. He worked as a messenger at Hawthorne, Lincoln Field, and Arlington Race Tracks. Art farmed in Florence and Wesley Township as did his father before him. He was a member of St. Rose Parish in Wilmington, Will County Farm Bureau, Will County Thresherman's Association, and the Joliet Antique Car Club proudly driving his 1931 Model A in many parades. He was always a good natured man who faced life with a positive attitude. He loved rooting for the Cubs, a good slice of homemade pie, wearing his many caps, working on his Model A Ford, and taking rides in the country to check on his corn and soybeans.

Art is survived by his loving wife Kathryn (Kestel) whom he married September 11, 1943, his daughter Margaret (Bill) Benoit of Joliet, one granddaughter Beth of Joliet, and several nieces and nephews. Art was especially close to his nieces Ruth and Joyce Baskerville, his nephew Jim (Mary) Baskerville, and his sister-in-law Elsie (the late Walt) Baskerville. Art is also survived by two first cousins Nora Kennedy McGrath and Elizabeth Katherine Kennedy.

Art was preceded in death by his parents, his son Robert A. Kennedy (1980), and his sister Alice E. Kennedy (2001).

We would like to thank the Joliet Area Community Hospice, the dedicated staff at Our Lady of Angels, and the Franciscan Sisters for their kindness, compassion, and prayers.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at St. Rose Catholic Church from 9:30am until time of Funeral Mass at 11:00am. Father Steve Bondi and Deacon Don Dyer will officiate. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Wilmington.

Preferred memorials as gifts in Arts memory to St. Rose Catholic School, 626 S. Kankakee Street, Wilmington, Illinois 60481 and Joliet Area Community Hospice, 205 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, Illinois 60431 appreciated.

Funeral services and arrangements are under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home.