Thomas M Kennedy

Tom graduated from Holland High School in 1954 and immediately enlisted in the Navy. After proudly serving our country, he furthered his education at Valparaiso University where he studied electrical engineering.

With a strong work ethic and mechanical skills, Tom quickly fell into the manufacturing industry. He was a talented tool & die engineer. He spent many years working for Alofs Manufacturing Company before taking a position and ultimately retiring from Kent Products, Inc.

One evening, Tom was volunteering at a Kingtones concert when he met Nancy Ann Bolter. She too was working the event at NECM’s supper house and was quickly smitten by his regaling of the attendees with his keyboard music. The couple sealed their love in marriage in 1987.

He enjoyed giving back to his community. During the 1970’s, Tom volunteered with the Probation Program and Switchboard Crisis Intervention. He was also a man of faith and was active in his church serving on various governing bodies of the local churches including chairing several committees. He preached as a certified lay speaker, and he taught adult church classes all while leading bible study and prayer groups.

An inquisitive man, Tom loved learning and this led to a diverse group of interests. His hobbies included tinkering with electronic gadgets, photography, computer programming, playing golf, reading non-fiction, wood-working, artistic drawing and painting, auto mechanics and playing the organ and guitar. However, his favorite pastime was camping and fishing with his grandchildren.

A dedicated husband, Tom took care of Nancy for several years prior to her passing being both a loving partner and devoted caregiver. He was proud of his children, whom he raised with Margaret (Slezak) Kennedy, and delighted in being a grandfather. He created as many fun memories as possible; he was a master of the “Dad Joke” and loved laughing at himself even when the grandchildren just rolled their eyes. Tom has left a legacy of hard work, love of family and a fascination with learning. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Tom is survived by his children: Dawn (Gideon) Carlstrom, Wendy Sue (Bruce-deceased) Fyfe, Anne (Edward Bussa) Kennedy Domanski, and Eve Kennedy; his grandchildren: Jennifer Kaufman-Frey, Nathan Kaufman, Zachary Carlstrom, Reagan Carlstrom, Nolan Fyfe, Randall Fyfe, Keith Kennedy, Alisha Price, Brian Domanski, Paige Kennedy Buitendyk, Jeffery Kennedy, Tad Kennedy, and Evelyn Kennedy; his great-grandchildren: Harrison Frey, Elliot and Miri Kaufman, Shawn Kennedy; and his siblings: Charles M. Kennedy, Sue E. Kennedy, Nancy K. Kennedy and Dan L. Kennedy as well as many other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Margaret (Slezak) Kennedy, his wife, Nancy (Bolter) Kennedy, his parents and his siblings: Irene M Breen, Margaret E. Cordtz, Bonnie J. Kennedy and Kathie K. Kennedy.

A memorial service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Tom may be directed to Gildea’s Place. gildasclubgr.org