Bernard John Kennedy

BERNARD JOHN KENNEDY1919-2006 Bernard John Kennedy, 86, longtime area businessman and civic leader, died Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at the Lewiston Villa. He was born in rural Lewiston, on the "Dutchman's Crossing" farm, July 6, 1919. His baptism, on July 20, 1919, by Pastor H.W. Herwig of St. John's Lewiston, began his Christian life. "Bernie" graduated from Lewiston High School in 1936, attended St. Mary's College, and played football and basketball for famed coach Ed "Moose" Krause. Bernie played second base for the Lewiston Amateur Baseball teams of the late 1930's, 1940's and early 1950's. He and Mary Murphy were married on June 5, 1939, raised five children, and were later divorced. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944-1946 as a Second Lieutenant, stationed in Northern Italy. In 1946, after World War II, Bernie returned to Lewiston and served as President and Secretary/Treasure of the Lewiston Monument Company until his semi-retirement in 1993. The company's ownership now spans four generations. Bernie served on the Lewiston High School Board of Education from 1958-1968 during the time the new Lewiston Jr. - Sr. High School was constructed. On December 29, 1973, he married Marie Wehrenberg Euler in West Salem, WI.Bernie and Marie enjoyed working and traveling together, especially to Mazatlan, Mexico. Bernie was an avid reader and loved history, especially Mexican History. He enjoyed sporting and cultural events and delighted in watching his children and grandchildren participate in competitive sports and activities. Bernie was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Lewiston. His unwavering faith in Christ, his positive attitude and strong work ethic guided him throughout his life. He will be lovingly remembered for his courage and determination in overcoming a serious stroke in 1993 Bernie is survived by his loving wife Marie and children, John (Peggy) Kennedy of Appleton, MN, Bernie Joe (Karla) Kennedy of Lewiston, Patricia (Richard) Stark of Kellogg, MN, Maureen (Mike) Murphy-Hurley of Cave Creek, AZ, Jim Kennedy of Trempealeau, WI, Jeanne (Paul) Lehninger of Wauwautosa, WI and Jeff (Carol) Euler of West Salem, WI.: 24 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren will lovingly remember Grandpa "Bernie". Also surviving is a sister Jeanne Burnett of Madison, WI, a brother-in-law Elmer Schomberg of Bangor, WI and two sisters-in-law, Alda Wehrenberg of Holmen, WI and Irma Euler of West Salem, WI. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Laurel Burnett. Funeral services will be held at 11A.M Saturday at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Lewiston with the Revs. David A. Fischer and Michael A. Lindemann officiating. Burial will follow services at the Lewiston Public Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Friday at Hoff Funeral Home's Lewiston Chapel. They may also call one hour before services at the church on Saturday. The family respectfully suggests, in lieu of flowers, to direct memorials to "family wishes." Please share a memory of Bernie on his On-line Guest Registry at www.hofffuneral.comPALL BEARERSMichael KennedyTim KennedySteve StarkTom StarkZachary ZiebellLee KennedyCameron KennedyHONORARY PALL BEARERSDonald McLeodClyde HaedtkeCharles RadatzRoy SchultzMike SchultzBrian SchultzJim SonnenfeldBob Finke Pete JilkCharlie Matzke