Dale Kennedy, age 60, peacefully died Tuesday December 10th at his home in Crookston, MN surrounded by his loving family. Dale Ray Kennedy was born May 20, 1964, in Leadville, CO to parents Byron and Georgene (Bergman) Kennedy. He graduated from High School in Midland Michigan in 1982. He learned to operate heavy machinery early in life working in the Angola Mines in Elko, NV. He earned recognition for his work performance, receiving the Angola Mines belt buckle, something no other operator had achieved. His commitment to ‘pulling his weight’ was evident in all that he did. Not a competitive man, but one that wanted to do the best he could in all that he did. Throughout his life he resided in numerous states including Colorado, Michigan, Arkansas, Montana, Utah, Nevada, North Dakota, New Mexico and Minnesota.
In 2007 the combine crew he worked with traveled to Langdon ND. While there he met Jane Kilcree. That changed all the plans he had with the working crew. He decided to stay in Langdon. They married in December of 2008. After a short move to New Mexico, they moved to Crookston where Dale was employed at Dee Manufacturing. Again, he was recognized for his work, receiving plaques. He later had an opportunity to work at New Flyer of North America and did so for several years before recently returning to Dee Manufacturing working as a Materials Handler.
Always quick with a quirky joke, he loved all people and enjoyed seeing them smile. On holidays you would find him dressed for the occasion – the grinch was his favorite, and July he would be all red, white and blue for much of the month. We will never forget his ‘superman’ costume! Dale enjoyed sharing candy, earning him a reputation at work as the ‘candy man’. He had a great love for animals. Jane was never surprised when he came home announcing – honey, look what I found! He enjoyed taking the dogs to the river for a swim and fishing. Never one to sit still, he took pride in meticulously detailing his vehicles and motorcycle and decorating his yard for the holidays. The only time you would see Dale sitting still was in the summer when the sun was shining. He would lay out in the sun for hours upon hours.
Dale is survived by his wife Jane; his daughter Chelsie Kennedy; Mother Georgene Wilson; Sisters Sue Setter (Pat), Sandy Sailer (Rick), Jackie Wilson (Bill), Jolene Wilson (Greg), Brenda Downing (Larry); three grandchildren, Hunter, Dakota, and Mariah. He was preceded in death by his father, Byron Kennedy, Stepfather, George Wilson, and Son, Dusten Kennedy. Blessed be his memory.
Christian Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 21st at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Crookston with Rev. Curt Peterson officiating. Visitation at 1:00PM with the funeral service to follow at 2:00PM. Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home of Crookston is in charge of the arrangements. Interment will be in the Sand Lake Cemetery, Britt, MN at a later date.
