Kennedy, John 'Dale'

John “Dale” Kennedy, 95, of Cedar Rapids, died Friday, June 7, 2013, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling St. SW. Inurnment will follow in St. John's Cemetery, where full military rites will be conducted.

Dale was born Nov. 16, 1917, in Conesville, the son of Thomas Wood and Grace Pearl (McCullough) Kennedy. Dale was a professional baseball player before joining the United States Army. He was well decorated for his service during World War II, earning 5 Bronze Stars, the American Defense Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Ribbon. He was stationed in Europe, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and The Ardennes. He married Maxine Davis in 1947 in Cedar Falls. Dale worked for Peter Pan Bakery, Globe Manufacturing, and also was the sporting goods manager at Armstrong's until his retirement.

He enjoyed sports, including baseball at all levels, watching the Iowa Hawkeyes football and basketball, and spending time with his friends and neighbors discussing the ways of sport and life. Dale was privileged to go on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in October 2012.

Dale is survived by his sons, Steve Grammar of Nice, Calif., and Larry Kennedy of Ely; and his grandchildren, Jill Kennedy and Lora Overbeck.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maxine, on June 22, 2001; and his siblings.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

The family would like to thank the Horizons Meals on Wheels program for the love and care for Dale.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.

Published June 9, 2013 in The Gazette