On May 7, 2026, Michael J. Kennedy welcomed Chambers Island, Wisconsin as his final resting place.
He was born in Peoria, Illinois, and grew up in Perham, Minnesota – he attended a one-room schoolhouse, worked at his father’s butcher shop and was a captain of the football team. Mike graduated from St. Cloud State with degrees in physics, mathematics, chemistry and education. He was an accomplished member of the college’s competitive club “Flying Saints,” inspiring his love for flying as a lifelong pilot. He also earned a master’s degree in mathematics from Kansas State.
Mike’s first career was teaching high school at West Allis Nathan Hale. For 33 years, he taught and mentored thousands of students in mathematics and computer programming. After retirement, he began a second career, earning his 100-ton Great Lakes Master Captain’s license and serving as Captain Mike aboard the Quo Vadis.
Mike was a caring husband and loving father who relentlessly put family at the center of his life. He treasured time with his children and grandchildren – coaching soccer, building Pinewood Derby cars and school theater sets, and traveling countless miles to support their passions.
Chambers Island was a special part of Mike’s life. His background in construction inspired a vision for the cabin that he and his wife built by hand from the trees on the land. He was a skilled woodworker, electrician, plumber, and mechanic. Mike was known as the one who could fix anything. And whether he was pouring cement, gardening or playing cards with family – he was always all in.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Carol (nee Brecher) Kennedy; his four children Patrick (Beth), Erin, Shawn (Abby) and Colleen (Charlie); and seven grandchildren ranging in ages from 24 years to 4 months. Mike was predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Vivian, and his sisters, Bernadine and Phyllis.
Funeral services are planned for Saturday, June 6, 2026, at St. Luke Catholic Church, 18000 West Greenfield Avenue, Brookfield, Wisconsin, with visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM and Mass to follow at 12:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations be made to the TUBB3 Foundation – either directly through the foundation’s website or by mail to: TUBB3 Foundation, PO Box 283, Dallas Center, IA 50063. Receipts can be provided for tax purposes.