William Wayne Kennedy

Bill was born on August 18, 1937, to Olive and James H. Kennedy Sr. in Boone, IA. He grew up on the family farm in Moingona, IA. milking cows, gathering eggs, and doing other chores with his three older brothers. Bill was educated in a one-room schoolhouse there through the 5th grade, then transferred to Boone schools where he graduated from Boone High School with honors in 1955. Bill continued his education first at Boone Junior College (later to become Boone Community College) then transferred to Drake University, earning a degree in Retailing and Mathematics in August 1958.

Immediately after graduation Bill answered an International Harvester ad for a sales trainee and was hired for their truck division after initially thinking the ad was for the farm equipment division. That kickstarted a 57-year career in the truck industry. While at Navistar International (formerly International Harvester Company) Bill received promotions to positions of increasing responsibility, achieving Vice President North American Sales in 1979.

Bill resigned from Navistar International in 1988 and joined Idealease, Inc in June of 1988 as President and Chief Executive Officer. He remained in that capacity reorganizing and growing the truck leasing business in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Bill retired from Idealease in 2015.

While in his last semester at Boone Jr. College Bill met the love of his life, Janaan (Nan) Ellen Munson. They began dating Spring of 1957 and were married in September 1957. Bill and Nan went on to have three boys, Kirk, Kipp, and Keric. Bill’s career required excessive travel which meant he needed a strong partner at home to help raise three boys and Nan, “his angel”, made it all work.

Bill’s favorite activity over the years was gardening. Beginning early Spring from seeds in a makeshift greenhouse in their basement, Bill would nurture his seedlings of tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, radishes, and peppers, to name a few. There were always fresh vegetables on the table in summer and the usual bumper crop was shared with neighbors and co-workers to enjoy.

To Bill and Nan, the family was of the utmost importance. Bill always made time to attend the kids’ events and participate as a baseball coach, football referee, and Indian Guides leader. In retirement, Bill and Nan made every attempt to attend as many events for their grandchildren as possible.

Bill was predeceased by his son Dr. Kipp Kennedy, his parents; brothers Jim Jr. and his spouse Vivian, Raymond and his spouse Janice, and Walter Kennedy. He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years Nan; sons Kirk and his spouse Mary, Keric and his spouse Mimi, and Kipp’s widow Cheryl; grandchildren Billy, Annie (Kennedy) Marrocco (Steve), Kathleen, Keegan, and Macey.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for later this summer at a location to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to a scholarship fund set up in honor of Bill and Nan’s son, Dr. Kipp Kennedy:

Kipp W. Kennedy M.D. Endowed Scholarship Fund: This endowed scholarship fund helps students attend Saint Francis Catholic Academy and those with an interest in health science professions.

Please make checks payable to: DOSA Catholic Foundation

For: Kipp W. Kennedy M.D. Endowment Fund

Mail donations to:

St. Francis Catholic Academy

Advancement Office

4100 NW 115th Terrace

Gainesville, FL. 32607

In lieu of this scholarship fund, Bill’s family realizes that you may have a charity that you support and would ask that you make a donation of your choosing in Bill’s name.