Ray Kennedy

Ray Kennedy, 74, Bowdle, died Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at the Bowdle Hospital.

Memorial services were at 10 a.m., Tuesday May 28, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bowdle, led by Pastor Janet Sandmeier.

Raymond David Kennedy, son of Erna (Leidholt) and Leonard Kennedy, was born in Chicago, Ill. on February 7, 1950. The family moved to a farm southwest of Roscoe where Ray was brought up. His formal education consisted of country school, Roscoe Public School (RHS Class of 1969), and Lake Area Vocational School in Watertown where he studied auto mechanics. Ray served in the South Dakota Army National Guard where one of his experiences was helping with the tragic Rapid City Flood of 1972.

Ray married Mona Zimmer June 21, 1975 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bowdle. The couple settled in Bowdle where Ray lived the rest of his life. He held various mechanic jobs in town and was also employed at what is now Agtegra for several years. Most recently, Ray was employed 13 years as an equipment operator for the Edmunds County Highway Department. He also helped Brian Hauck on his farm between Bowdle and Roscoe.

Ray was a member of the National Rifle Association and St. Paul Lutheran Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and toiling in the garden. He was commonly seen riding his side by side around town checking out what was going on.

Ray is survived by Mona, his wife of 48 years; one son Joel (Cindy Lowens) Kennedy of Bowdle; one daughter, Cally Kennedy of Bowdle; and one granddaughter, Trinity Kennedy.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard, on October 6, 1981 and his mother, Erna, on December 9, 1996.

Organist was Dani Hoffman and the usher was Phillip Peterman.

Bearers were David Knecht of Bowdle and Kyle Hauck of Roscoe.

Services are in care of Lien Funeral Home, Bowdle. (www.MillerLienFH.com)