Geraldine "Gerry" Kennedy
November 6, 1929 ~ March 15, 2025
Mary Geraldine “Gerry” Kennedy age 95 of Clear Lake, IA, formerly of New Hampton died Saturday, March 15, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 4, 2025 at Holy Family Parish in New Hampton with Rev. James Goerend celebrating the Mass. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton with Gerry’s grandchildren serving as urnbearers.
Friends may greet the family an hour and a half prior to the Mass on Friday at the church.
Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton have been entrusted with Gerry’s arrangements.
641-394-4334
Gerry was born on November 6, 1929, in Lawler, Iowa, to Frank and Edna (Daily) Galligan. She spent her early years in Dubuque before her family moved to Calmar, where she attended school through most of high school. She completed her senior year at New Hampton High School, graduating in 1947. She then continued her education at Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls.
After college, Gerry worked at Sheakley and Kennedy Department Store and Riley Electric Store until 1950. On February 20, 1950, she married the love of her life, Ralph Kennedy, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Hampton. Together, they built a life filled with love and family. They loved to dance and truly were Best Friends.
Gerry dedicated many years to public service, working at the Chickasaw County Auditor’s Office from 1981 to 1988 before being elected and serving as Chickasaw County Treasurer until her retirement in 2002. For several years she did the bookkeeping for Kennedy’s Department Store. She also served her community with dedication and integrity as a member of St. Joseph Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters of America, American Legion Auxiliary, Mercy Medical Auxiliary, Carnegie Cultural Foundation Board, Chickasaw Transportation Board, along with numerous other volunteer activities over the years.
After Ralph’s passing, Gerry moved to Clear Lake, where she enjoyed living over a decade at Garden Park Village overlooking the beautiful Central Gardens. She cherished walking around the gardens, taking it all in, and sitting by the brick bearing her name for her 90th birthday. She stayed active in card clubs, Monday night burgers at Rookies, and social gatherings with dear friends who supported and cared for her.
Gerry will be remembered for her grace, kindness, and warm presence. She had a special way of making those around her feel valued and loved. Her elegance and class left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
Gerry is survived by two sons, Dan (Roxanne) Kennedy of Charles City, Ed Kennedy of Plymouth, MN; one daughter, Kathy (Pat) Carney of Clear Lake; seven grandchildren, Megan (Brian) Blackwood of Eden Prairie, MN, Nate Carney of Clear Lake, Chris (Nikki) Carney of Solon, Neil (Tracie) Kennedy of Urbandale, Kyle (Felicia) Kennedy of Urbandale, Matt (Jenny) Kennedy of Plymouth, MN, Katie (Matthew) McPheeters of Edina, MN; 18 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ralph in 2010; daughter-in-law, Vicki Kennedy; one brother Tom (Kay) Galligan; sisters Fran (Len) Nabak and Patricia, in infancy.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Holy Family Parish in New Hampton, St. Patrick’s Church in Clear Lake, or Central Gardens in Clear Lake.
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My deepest sympathies to Gerry’s family and friends. She will be missed. RIP Gerry!
Our sympathies to Gerry’s family. She was a beautiful woman and a wonderful boss that I was truly blessed to be a part of. Until we meet again. 🙏
I am very sorry for the loss of this wonderful, smart, and fun lady. John
My sympathy to Gerry Kennedy:s family. As your matriarch Gerry was a kind, friendly and always concerned for others. Gerry showed a genuine smile to all she met. You will miss your mother.
On behalf of the NHHS Class of 1969, our sincere condolences to Gerry’s family.
Such a lovely lady; Rest in Peace, Gerry.🙏🙏
Such a lovely lady; Rest in Peace, Gerry.🙏🙏
Deepest condolences to Gerry’s family from “the Dee sisters” and our families. Our parents, Bob & Maureen Dee, were great friends with Gerry and Ralph, and we have wonderful memories of growing up with the Kennedys as our neighbors. Gerry had a kind and generous spirit, always welcoming the neighborhood kids into her home to play with her own three, in spite of any resulting pandemonium. She was a sweet lady and a positive, supportive presence in our childhoods. My sisters and I will always remember Gerry Kennedy with love and appreciation.
God rest Her Soul.
Mary Wegner
Thoughts and prayers to all of Gerry’s family. She was a very kind and elegant lady. Always loved running into her and visiting. May her family remember all the good times they had together.
Mary Jane Leach
Sympathy to Gerry’s family. What a beautiful, kind lady🙏
So many good things to say about Gerry. We were fortunate to have her as a next door neighbor for years. We’ll miss her. RIP!!!
Dan, Kathy, Ed and families,
The memories come pouring in from the house by Spring St., to the house by the school.
Your mom and dad brought elegance to the neighborhood wherever they lived.
Your mom was such a beautiful soul.
I remember the coffees when neighborhood ladies would get together and kids would all hang outdoors. I remember your moms kindness when dad would go to the department store and your mom would help him pick out a gift for my mom. And then act surprised when my mom would show her the gift.
The last time I visited with your mom was when my mom was ill and she came out for coffee. It was a great time for my mom. Your mom was so gracious. We spoke of all of you. She was so proud of you and your families.
Memories are what make this time more bearable.
Hugs to all of you.
Peggy McGrath Patten
Prayers and sympathy to the Kennedy Families.
My prayers and sympathy are with all of Gerry’s family. I got to know Gerry when we both served on the Aux. board at the hospital. She was a very special lady and one I,m so glad I got to know.RIP Gerry. Marian Gebel
Dan, Kathy, and Ed, I am sending my deepest condolences to you and all ur families. I truly admired ur Mother. ❤
Valerie
I’m so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. She was always such a classy woman and I always enjoyed seeing her come into the bank each day when she was the County Treasurer. May your family find comfort during this difficult time and enjoy all the wonderful memories.
My prayers and sympathy to Gerry’s family. A wonderful lady.
Jan and Lance Manson
Deepest sympathy to Gerrys family.
She was s very classy and intelligent lady.
Our sympathy for Gerry’s family. Gerry was a caring and friendly neighbor who always made me feel welcome. RIP Gerry.
I’m so sorry for your loss of your lovely Mother. I knew Gerry and Ralph first from the store, then church, and anywhere we ever ran into them; they were such lovely people. They were some of the people who, in my opinion, made New Hampton such a great place to live. Rest in peace, lovely lady.
Our sympathy to Gerry’s family what a wonderful, kind and caring lady. The world was better because she was in it. RIP dear Gerry.
Jack & Nancy Anderson
Geri was a beautiful and special lady to so many people. She was loved by all, had more friends than you probably ever knew.
Geri certainly had a full life.
It was nice to run into her a two years ago when I was in Clear Lake for a wake. I was so surprised and happy to see her. We had a great visit and then followed up with a lunch later that summer with my sister Mary Kay. It was like having little
piece of mom back. They were great friends! ❤️ Sending love to all of the Kennedys !
We were so sad to hear of Gerry’s passing. She was a beautiful, fun loving,caring woman. She made us laugh while playing skippo, hand and foot, and bridge. She will truly be missed. She loved her family and so proud of them. Our thoughts and prayers go with you during this difficult time. Judy and Ralph Bolte.
To my ” kissin cousin” you will never be forgotten! Class, intelligence beauty you had it all. Thanks Gerry and RIP.
Ovey and I are so sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. I have so many good memories of her from going to the department store and all the times at dance recitals for Kathy and I. She was such a beautiful, kind, caring lady. Met everyone with a smile. I’m sure that Ralph welcomed her with open arms as they are now reunited in their Heavenly Home. Thoughts, hugs and prayers to Dan, Kathy, Ed and families🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️
My sympathies and prayers to all the families and friends of Gerry. She was such a beautiful, classy lady.
Our deepest sympathies for the loss of Gerry. She was a memorable person and loved by all. Quite a lady and amazing person also . She will be missed by her family and the communities where she lived and left a legacy and mark!!
What a great example of what true class was. She always took the time to make you feel special. Peace to you Geri, rest in peace.
Gerry was a delightful lady. Always kind and sweet. She and Ralph were such a “cute” couple and our kids remember talking to each of them in the drug store. We will miss the “classy” lady she was. Rest in Peace Gerry!
Our sympathy and prayers for the Kennedy family.
My condolences to the Kennedy family. Gerry was a very fine and wonderful person.
My sympathy and prayers to Gerry’s family. I was on bus trip’s with Gerry. What a fun and lovely lady.