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Michael “Captain Mike” J. Kennedy

September 21, 1944 - May 7, 2026
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Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services
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Zach & Brigette Joyce
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Kent, Leslie, Madeline & Mallory Light a candle
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Visitation
St. Luke Catholic Church
18000 West Greenfield Avenue
Brookfield, WI 53045
Saturday 6/6, 10:00 am - 11:45 am
Mass
St. Luke Catholic Church
18000 West Greenfield Avenue
Brookfield, WI 53045
Saturday 6/6, 12:00 pm

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 withContinue Reading

With deepest sympathy, Katie Stockmeier left a message on June 5, 2026:
Patrick - Thinking of all of you during this time. I hope that seeing new life & growth in his honor reminds you of his amazing life & legacy.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Michael Kennedy . Plant a Tree
Betsy Blahnik-Kuhn left a message on June 4, 2026:
Carol, Patrick, Shawn, Erin and Colleen We were devastated to hear of Mike's passing for you, for ourselves, for CIA, for all who loved and cherished him. There will never be another Captain Mike Kennedy. We will cherish our memories with him and your family at the retreat, the LH, the dock, the cabin, on the Quo, in parades, on 3 wheelers back in the day, working side by side and even times on the mainland. He brought joy and a smile, humor to any situation along with his insatiable work ethic. I know how dearly he loved each of you. I am sorry that none of the Joel & MA Blahnik crew can make it this weekend, but I will be sharing stories of Mike aboard the Quo this weekend as we head out on the LH tours. We look forward to sharing memories of him at his CI memorial later. Hugs and Peace to you Kennedys!
Kurt Louise and family left a message on June 3, 2026:
May Uncle Mike rest peace and keep smiling:)
Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of Michael Kennedy by Kurt Louise and family. Send Flowers
A tree was also planted in memory of Michael Kennedy
Your CCI Surety Family left a message on June 2, 2026:
We're very sorry for the loss of Mike, he sounds like he was an amazing man. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Michael Kennedy by Your CCI Surety Family. Send Flowers
Anonymous left a message on May 29, 2026:
Our deepest condolences!
White Designer's Choice was purchased for the family of Michael Kennedy by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Paul Byrne left a message on May 22, 2026:
So very sorry to hear of Mike's passing and sincere sympathy to Carol and all the family. knew Mike back in early 1980's when our sons were in soccer and Scouts at St Luke's. Mike and Carol were just starting the Chambers Island project and Mike stored his boat for a couple winters in our barn. Mike was a great teacher and coach and life example for all the youth we worked with. Prayers for all....Paul, Mary, Dan, and Erin Byrne
Donna R Mordini left a message on May 22, 2026:
Sorry it has taken me so long to write. All of the girls at the lunch were (I am sure) quite surprised and upset when we heard the news. My prayers are with you Carol and your family.. I would love to make it to the funeral but my health will determine if I can go. Love , Donna Mordini
Kathy Blocher- McCabe left a message on May 21, 2026:
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Kennedy family. I remember the cold snowy icy night we moved into the Tanglewood subdivision where the Kennedys were also living. Brian was not able to get the trailer up on our icy driveway so we left it in the street. We had a knock on our door from the police that evening to please move the trailer from the street. Mike Kennedy came down the next day and helped break up ice and shovel that driveway! Mikey will be deeply missed! RIP
Joe Fricano left a message on May 20, 2026:
Carol, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. I know it must be a very difficult time for you. Please know of my prayers for you and your family during this time.
Zach & Brigette Joyce left a message on May 18, 2026:
In loving memory of Captain Mike Kennedy, who will always be remembered as the unofficial father and grandfather figure of Chambers Island. We love and miss you.
Dot Birner left a message on May 18, 2026:
Dear Carol and family, We are from Brookfield and our daughter, Colleen, played on the varsity soccer team with Erin way back in about 1992 or 93. We were on our boat at Chambers Island that summer for the Fourth of July and our Colleen recognized Erin on the beach there. She went to say hi and Erin was so welcoming to us, she told her parents that a family she knew from Brookfield was at the beach. Well, Mike and Carol came with their truck and invited us on a tour of the island and over to their cottage. We sat in the bed of the truck, watching Sean follow behind on his motorcycle. Our kids, Colleen and Andy, loved every minute of it and so did we! Such a darling cottage in the woods with an owl perched in a tree right outside their cottage window. We went to the lighthouse on the island too! Mike, Carol, Erin and Sean were such gracious hosts. They were getting ready for the island's Fourth of July parade, decorating their vehicles. We'll never forget that wonderful summer day on the island. Your little Colleen was just a toddler and several of us soccer moms used to love watching her run along the bleachers during the girls' high school soccer games. We retired and moved to Sturgeon Bay and still boat Green Bay waters as we have for 37 years, always looking for the Pacotaco at the Fish Creek dock as well as the Quo Vadis, also, which could not have been in better hands than Mike Kennedy's. You all may not remember us from so many years ago, but our family will never forget that glorious summer day on Chambers Island. God bless Mike, and may he always be at the helm, sharing stories of your great days on the water and the islands of Door County. May the wind be always at his back. Sincerely, Len and Dot Birner Colleen BCHS '95 Andy BCHS '97
Pete Lange left a message on May 18, 2026:
So sorry to read of Mike's passing, grateful to learn more about his amazing life accomplishments. Sending Carol huge hugs and all gratitude for her wonderful influence during my time at CMH. All blessings, peace and comfort!!
Laura Hutson left a message on May 16, 2026:
I treasure the Badgerette memories where Mike and Carol graciously hosted the staff between camps. Sitting around your table was such fun. We know how much Mike meant to Carol and your family - sending condolences, prayers, love and so much friendship over the miles. Your friends always, Bill and Laura
Glenn Johnson left a message on May 15, 2026:
I had the great honor of teaching mathematics at West Allis Hale HS with Mike for 33 years. He was an outstanding teacher and a close friend. We shared many stories and good times in and out of school. Mary and I send our deepest condolences to Carol and his wonderful family. May God bless you all. With love, Glenn and Mary Johnson
Kent, Leslie, Madeline & Mallory left a message on May 15, 2026:
Love to all of you. We are so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. You are and continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Scott Matzelle left a message on May 14, 2026:
I knew Captain Mike, Pat Kennedy’s father, through the stories Pat would tell about him. There is something wonderful about hearing a man speak of his father with such pride — and seeing that small glow in his eyes as he describes his dad’s character and the effort Mr. Kennedy put into his family. Even knowing Captain Mike only through Pat’s stories, it was clear the kind of impact he had on the people around him. I’m told the island is a special place, and having it become his final resting place feels fitting in many ways. Quo Vadis — Chamber Island. We wish peace, comfort, and strength to Captain Mike’s family, and especially to his wife, Mrs. Kennedy.
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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