Kenney, Joseph A.

Joseph A. Kenney, 86, of 1715 E Ave. NW, died Thursday, Jan. 20, 2011, at his home after a long illness. Services: 10 a.m. Monday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, by the Rev. Ivan Nienhaus. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery. A vigil service will be held 5 p.m. Sunday at Teahen Funeral Home, where friends may visit from 4 until 8 p.m. Military honors presented by American Legion Post 727.

Joseph is survived by three sons, Patrick (Sally) of Phoenix, Ariz., Michael (Jody) of Manhattan, Kan., and Joseph (Maureen) of Cedar Rapids; two daughters, Rita Kenney (Jeff McEowen) and Catherine (Michael) Welch of Cedar Rapids; 15 grandchildren, Carly, Jack, Kathleen and Kyle Kenney, Megan, Hannah, Joseph and Ellen Welch, all of Cedar Rapids, Jessica, Sean, Michael and Mary Kenney, all of Phoenix, and Sean, Sam and Patrick Kenney of Manhattan, Kan.; sisters-in-law, Esther Mae (Klassen) Novotny, Patricia (Klassen) Hoffman and Betty, Gloria and Margaret Kenney, all of Cedar Rapids; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane; parents; and three brothers, Red, Mike and Con Kenney.

Joseph A. was born March 4, 1924, in Keokuk, the son of John M. and Catherine A. (Tigue) Kenney. He graduated from St. Patrick Catholic High School in 1942. Joseph served in the Army Air Corps as a tail gunner on a B-24 Bomber in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He married Mary Jane Klassen on June 12, 1948, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. He received his bachelor's degree and Master of Science degree from the University of Iowa. Joseph taught high school science for 47 years and was a coach and athletic director. During his career he taught at St. Patrick High School, LaSalle High School, Washington High School and Jefferson High School.

He was inducted into the Iowa Baseball Association Hall of Fame, the Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School Academic, Baseball and Booster Club Halls of Fame, and the LaSalle, Regis and Xavier Alumni Hall of Fame.

Joseph was a wonderful husband to his high school sweetheart, Janie, for 57 years, as well as a wonderful and loving father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, was deeply involved in parish life for over 50 years, and had a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

He loved life, people, laughter, and the tradition of baseball. He was proud of his Irish heritage.

The family would like to thank Comfort Care and a special thanks to Carrie Fitzpatrick, his longtime care provider.

Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at