Thomas Kennedy

A wonderful life ended when Thomas Francis Kennedy died quietly at home on Tuesday, November 10, 2015.

Tom was born October 2, 1931, to Frank and Mabel Kennedy. He grew up in Marcus and Sioux City, Iowa with his siblings, Jim (deceased) Phil, Kathleen and Mary. Tom graduated from all boys' school, Trinity in May of 1949 and enlisted in the United States Navy reserves. While serving in the Navy he spent time in the Philippians in the Construction Battalion (SEA BEEs). Upon his release from active duty, Tom worked for the GR Northern Railroad for the summer and then attended Morningside College.

Tom met the love of his life, Delores Mathison, "Dee" in September of 1953. They were set up on a blind date at a party at club ATD at Morningside College. Tom enjoyed buying, driving, and selling sports cars owning a 1946 Ford Convertible, 1953 Chrysler New Yorker, 1953 MG, and a TR3 over a 5- year time span. He was fascinated with airplanes and took flying lessons, which concluded with a solo flight.

In 1956, Tom went to Denver to visit a friend. After just two days and a memorable night out on Look Out Mountain he made up his mind to create a new life for himself in the Mile High City. Tom obtained employment with Ideal Cement Company and moved to Denver in August 1956.

During a trip to Sioux City, Tom surprised Dee and showed up carrying a cold six- pack of Coke on a hot summer Iowa night. They became friends again. They were married in April 1959 in Sioux City Iowa, and set up their residence in Denver Colorado. They began their family: Kirsten (1960), Karen (1965), Heather (1967), and Daniel (1969).

In August 1967, Tom began working at the Air Force Accounting Finance Center as a Systems Analyst, and Computer Programmer. He headed several important projects and was a specialist in his field for 28 years.

Tom was born an adventurist with a BIG sense of humor. He climbed Mt. Huron (14005'), and owned/ sailed a Butterfly sailboat. He parachuted for his 57th birthday and piloted a Glider for his 60th. Tom's love of cars continued, and some of his favorites included 1964 VW Bug, 1962 Ford Falcon, 1979 Lincoln Town Car, 1990 Lincoln Mark VII, 1992 Ford Explorer, 1995 Lincoln Mark VIII, 2002 Ford Explorer, 2005 Acura, and 2012 Ford Fusion.

Tom traveled with his wife Dee and others to exciting places including, Mexico, Germany, Austria, The Caribbean Islands, China, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Russia, Finland, Estonia, and Poland. He also took a cruise through the Panama Canal. In addition, there were trips to several states including Hawaii, California, Nevada and "back home" to Sioux City Iowa.

As Tom's children grew up, and had children of their own, Tom and his wife Dee were able to provide love, support, and wisdom to each of eight grandchildren, (Kayla, Ashley, Amber, Summer, Cassidy, Tommy, Emily, and Matthew). Grandpa Kennedy was a constant source of understanding, encouragement, and most of all humor. His funny songs, silly faces and inside jokes helped keep his large family aware of the power of laughter. The Kennedy household was a place where all were welcomed, and Tom celebrated each person's uniqueness and strengths.

He was a wonderful neighbor, friend, uncle, brother, grandpa, father, and husband and will be missed by all who knew him.