William R. Kennedy

William "Bill" Kennedy, age 76 of Grafton, ND passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. Bill was born on December 12, 1934, the youngest son of Frank and Leona (Zolondek) Kennedy, in Grafton, where he grew up and attended school. He was quite active in sports during his Grafton school years, excelling in football and basketball. He served in the US Air Force from 1954-1958, and was stationed in Korea, Texas, Colorado, and California during that time frame. He was a graduate of Southern Illinois University. After his military service he was employed at the US Navy's Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, California. He was engaged in the quality control operations at the shipyard upon his retirement from government service. He lived in Napa, California for the past several decades, recently returning to Grafton where he resided in the Lutheran Sunset Home. He was a member of the American Legion, and was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree) Alemany Council #982 Napa, CA and a life member of the National Rifle Association. Bill was a devout member of the Catholic faith and a devoted long-term caretaker to his mother and sister Ollie (Olive). He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He is survived by his sister-in-laws Mrs. Maryann Kennedy, Marshall, MN and Mrs. Margie Kennedy, Grafton, ND, and brother-in-law Mr. Antillio Musante, Napa, CA. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Marvin, Joseph (Joe), and Paul Kennedy, and sisters Olive, Rosalie, Helen, and Cecelia. Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Grafton. Visitation will be Thursday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at St. John's Catholic Cemetery.