Valda Lorrine Kennedy, 88, of Atlantic, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic.

The daughter of Otto Henry and Alda Arleene (Boylan) Frank was born January 16, 1930, at Wyatt Memorial Hospital in Manning, Iowa. She attended rural school Jefferson #3 near Manning and graduated from the Manilla High School with the Class of 1948. After graduation, she attended summer school in Atlantic where she received her teaching certificate and taught rural school near Manning for one year. She then attended beauty school in Des Moines before owning and operating her own beauty salon in Atlantic for two years.

On November 23, 1952, she was united in marriage to Bobby “Bob” Lou Kennedy at the Presbyterian Church in Manilla, Iowa. Two children were born to this union. In 1952, they made their home east of Lewis. Valda helped Bob raise livestock and row crops. She also helped Bob operate the family business, Kennedy Sales. In 1985, they retired from farming and made their home in Atlantic. After their retirement they invested in the Purple Martin Train in 1988, and moved it to Atlantic until it sold in 1995. Bob passed away April 6, 2017.

Valda loved gardening where she always had a large flower and vegetable garden. She enjoyed genealogy and made sure she preserved the family history. She was an avid collector of antiques, depression glass, and had a large collection of rocks with each one having a meaning to her. Valda was a self-teacher, teaching herself to make braided wool rugs, learning to use the computer, and making beveled glass to name a few. She will also be remembered for her cooking skills and was an excellent seamstress.

Valda was a member of the United Congregational Methodist Church in Lewis. She was member of the Western Iowa Tourism Region, the Nishnabotna Ferry House, and the Cass County Mormon Trails. Valda was also a member of the Lewis Booster Club where she and Bob helped plan the Lewis sesquicentennial in 2004.

Valda is survived her daughter, Marsha and husband Mark Beeman of Newbury Park, California; her son, Martin Kennedy and significant other Hillarey Voss both of Palatine, Illinois; her grandchildren, Ashley Beeman of Newbury Park, Shawna Kennedy and fiancée Steven Schmitt of Thornton, Colorado, Tara and husband Frank Kryzak of Chicago, Illinois, and Nicholas and wife Jamie Kennedy of Wonder Lake, Illinois; her great granddaughters, Kenzie Kennedy and Rylee Kennedy; her brother, Dr. Marlin Frank and wife Judy of Greeley, Colorado; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob in 2017; her parents; and her brother-in-law, Phillip Kennedy.

Visitation with the family present will be Friday, July 27, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Roland Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 10:30 a.m., at the Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic with Pastor Don McLean officiating. Burial will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Lewis.

The family has suggested that memorials be made to the Nishnabotna Ferry House in Lewis.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Valda’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE
Valda Kennedy

BORN
January 16, 1930
Manning, Iowa

DIED
June 25, 2018
Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 88 years. 6 months and 9 days

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, July 28, 2018 Ten-thirty a.m.
Roland Funeral Home, Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Pastor Don McLean
Evangelical Free Church
Atlantic, Iowa

MUSICIANS
Randall Breckerbaumer
Heidi J. Hinman

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
The Prayer Perfect - by Heidi Hinman
Amazing Grace - Congregational Hymn led by Randall
The Lord’s Prayer - by Heidi Hinman
It Is Well With My Soul - by Randall Breckerbaumer
I Can Only Imagine - by Heidi Hinman

CASKET BEARERS
Martin Kennedy
Nicholas Kennedy
Frank Kryzak
Steven Schmitt
Matt Maxcy
Dana Kunze
Steve Nelson

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Dr. Marlin Frank
Danny Kirchhoff
Mike Murphy
Dr. Ron Peerbolte
Randy Baxter

INTERMENT
Oakwood Cemetery
Lewis, Iowa

The family has suggested that memorials may be
made to the Nishnabotna Ferry House.


The family invites you to join them for a luncheon
immediately following the committal service in the
United Congregational Methodist Church Fellowship Hall,
in Lewis, Iowa for a time of visitation and lunch.