3/26/2012
Merle Kennedy was born on September 21, 1916 in Knoxville, the son of Novi L. and
Gertrude (Welch) Kennedy.
<br />
<br />
He graduated 8th grade from Knoxville Community School.
<br />
<br />
On December 1, 1937 he married Ruth Marie Andrews in Winterset.
<br />
<br />
Merle spent his life farming, but he also worked at Maytag, Weldon’s Coal Company
and managed the Mississippi Valley Milk plant in Knoxville. He was one of the original
members of the Marion County Sheriff’s Posse.
<br />
<br />
Merle passed away on Monday, March 26, 2012 at the Oskaloosa Care Center at the
age of 95 years. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife and two great great
grandsons.
<br />
<br />
Those left to honor his memory include his son, Dwain (Leanna) Kennedy of Phoenix,
Arizona; daughters, Elaine (Bob) Riggen of Harvey, Iowa and Kathy (Mike) Rieck of
Knoxville, Iowa; eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren;
two step-great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren and two step-great great
grandchildren.
<br />
<br />
Graveside services will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in rural Knoxville on Wednesday,
March 28 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Flagg of Hospice of Central Iowa officiating. <br />
<br />
There will be a visitation at Williams Funeral Home in Knoxville beginning at 9
a.m. until the time of the service. For those desiring, memorial contributions may
be made to Strides Therapy Center, 2397 Old Hwy 92, Tracy, Iowa 50256 or to Hospice
of Central Iowa, 213 E. Main, Suite 103, Knoxville, Iowa 50138.