Michael John Kennedy

Sept. 20, 1961--Feb. 24, 2011

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Michael John Kennedy, 49, passed away Thursday (Feb. 24, 2011), at his home in McCook.

Mike was born Sept. 20, 1961, in McCook to William H. "Bill" and Dorothy J. (Schuering) Kennedy. He graduated from McCook High School in 1979 and continued his education at McCook Community College.

Mike started working for Pizza Hut while in high school. He later worked for Safeway for five years.

On March 9, 1991, he was united in marriage to Tracy L. Carson in Burlington, Colorado. They eventually made their home in McCook where in 1995, Mike became manager of the Pizza Hut, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell Restaurants.

Mike was baptized and an active member of First Congregational Church where he served and volunteered in many capacities including Deacon. He was also a member of McCook Optimist Club and the Eagle's Club.

His hobbies included fishing, bowling, and playing cards with his family and friends.

Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents, Ben and Dora Schuering and paternal grandparents, James and Marie Kennedy.

Survivors include his wife of almost 20 years, Tracy Kennedy of McCook; children, Brianna Kennedy and significant other, Nathan Aneas, and Kalie Kennedy, all of McCook; step-daughter, Chelyn and husband, James Marvier of Chester, California; parents, Bill and Dorothy Kennedy of McCook; sister, Patty and husband, Tom Eisenach of McCook; brother, Jim Kennedy and wife, Marshell of Goodland, Kansas; father and mother-in-law, Bob and Kay Carson of Grand Junction, Colorado; brothers-in-law, Rick Carson and wife, Cindy and Randy Carson and wife, Shana, all of Burlington; sisters-in-law, Dawn Ann and husband, Jay Blair of Burlington and Vickie and husband, Chris Bowser of Grand Junction; seven nieces and five nephews; numerous family, employees, and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation is Wednesday, 1-8 p.m., at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m..

Funeral services are Thursday, 10 a.m., at First Congregational Church in McCook with Pastor Steve Bales officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.