Michael John Kennedy

Michael J. Kennedy was born on March 27th 1946 to Ceciel and Mary (Gorman) Kennedy on Grand Forks, ND where he attended school and spent a lot of time with his grandfather who worked for the railroad.

He is enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Navy Seal in the Vietnam War. He was later discharged in 1968.

Michael made his career as a railroad engineer for Burlington Northern and the SOO line until an injury in 1993 led to his retirement from the railroad. Following this, he was a welder by trade and worked in various places until his official retirement in 2006.

Michael loved racing. He drove a sprint car in the 70’s and 80’s and enjoyed every minute of it. He made numerous friends during this time who he shared his passion of racing with.

Michael truly had the gift of gab; he always would run into someone he knew whenever he was out. He made many friends throughout his life and enjoyed having a conversation over a cup of coffee to catch up. He loved to tell stories about his adventures and his laugh was contagious.

Even though he and Liz didn’t have children of their own, they were blessed to have some amazing little ones in their lives. Benjamin, Ian, Makayla, Caylin, Tyawna, and Lincoln all brought joy and laughter to him. The time he spent with them meant the world to him.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, Mother-in-law, Mavis Branther, Daughters, Andrea (Michael) Oney, Debbi (Jeff) Studler, Dawn Gregory, Son, Michael J. Kennedy Jr. and many grandchildren.