Michael Francis Kennedy, our beloved husband, father, and Granddad, passed away on July 4, 2017. Michael was born on Dec. 4, 1933, to Pete and Marie (Leary) Kennedy, in Butte, Montana. He served in the U.S. Air Force, from 1951 – 1955, during the Korean War. He met and married his life partner, of 60 years, Donna McGrath, in Butte. Together they had four children: Dan, Mike, Chris, and Connie Jo. Mick graduated from Western Montana College and began his teaching career in Pine Dale, Wyoming. Then, he brought his family back to Montana, to teach in Twin Bridges, and finally ending up in Eastern Montana, at St. Labre Indian School, in Ashland.
In the 1970’s, Mick began working for the State of Montana, as a Social Worker, where he became the County Director for the Welfare programs in Rosebud and Treasure counties until he retired. Mike enjoyed helping people, and loved sharing his knowledge and skills with all those who needed them. Mike enjoyed golf and had many golfing buddies. He also loved his Irish heritage. He absolutely loved being “Butte Irish” and would tell you so at the drop of his Irish hats.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; sons: Dan (Mary) of Forsyth, Mike Jr. of Forsyth, Chris (Debbie) of Belgrade, Minnesota, brothers and sisters-in-law, Mike and Christy McGrath of Butte, and Charles and Bunny Aumell of East Helena; grandchildren: Nikki, Angie, Kinedy, Brent, and Ashley; and his Little Buddies (great grandchildren), Brody and Tuff; along with all his loving nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father & mother, daughter, Connie Jo; sisters, Dodie Rolando and Millie Fleiner; their husbands, Bob and Dutch; his brothers, Joe and Jack (Phyllis); his nephew, Devin; brother-in-law, Charles “Bud” McGrath, and longtime friend David Polly. Mick will be greatly missed by family and friends.
A sharing of Micks life and Rosary will be from 4 – 6pm Friday, July 14, at Stevenson’s and Sons in Forsyth, and his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am Saturday, July 15, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Forsyth. He endured the hardship of Alzheimer’s disease for the last few years of his life. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to an Alzheimer’s foundation or your favorite charity.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday July 14, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Rosary Service
6:00 PM
Friday July 14, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Saturday July 15, 2017
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
509 12 Ave North
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday July 14, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Rosary Service
6:00 PM
Friday July 14, 2017
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Saturday July 15, 2017
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
509 12 Ave North
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Theresa desmarais says
so sorry to hear about Mike. Donna you and your sons are in our thoughts and prayers. He was a good Irishman.God Bless to all.
Steph West says
I’m so sad to hear about this…he was such a wonderful man…my prayers are with your family
Tom and Shirley Skinner says
I am so sorry to hear about Mike. He was a wonderful friend, an amazing Boss, and truly one of the greatest guys I have ever known. I will never forget the years I worked for him and the good times we had… he truly made it fun to come to work. We pulled so many pranks on him over the years and he took it all with a smile and a shake of his head, usually saying something like “you girls”. He will be leaving a huge hole in the hearts of so many. RIP Mike Kennedy until we all meet you again on the other side.
Randy & Janet Stanhope says
We are so very sorry for your loss. We send all our prayers to you and yours.
George and Georgia Bement says
So sorry for your loss, Mike was a good teacher and friend all of his students would sneak to his typing room instead of going to all the funeral at the mission ,he will be truly missed by all. Prayers to all of the family .
Cinda Biggs says
Rest in peace my friend. I know you are up there laughing and smiling. You were a blessing to all who knew you.
Michael Speelman says
Donna, and Boys, sorry to hear about your Loss. Prayers and Condolences. from our family to yours.
audrey Snodgrass says
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cathy Byron says
Donna, Dan and Mary –
My heart is with you at this time of loss. No matter how prepared we think we are, the final separation is a heavy blow. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that each of you gave more than 100% for Mike these last years. Now is the time for each of you to take time to rest and recover from that difficult journey. Healing will come as you begin to focus on the happy times and rich memories. That is his legacy. My prayers are with you in the days ahead.
Sharon Wetsch says
Donna, Dan, Mary and the rest of the Kennedy family.
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He had a great sense of humor and was just a great guy. He will be missed.
Hold your memories close. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Duane and Sharon Wetsch
Georgia Ann Burns says
I am sorry for your loss. Mike was a good teacher…but I think I gave him headaches.
As an adult, I seen him quite often…he was always friendly and had something positive
to mention.
May “God” be withall of you, and give you comfort and strength.
and strength.
Ray and Karen Pellant says
WE are so sorry for your loss.
joan leinwand says
sending my condolences.
Janet Robideau says
He was my typing and bookkeeping teacher and I used these skills throughout my life. He was a great teacher. So sorry for your loss.
James and Ceil Rickard says
Mickey was cousin of mine and I remember many happy times in Butte when our parents got together . i wish to express my condolences to his family.
James and Ceil Rickard says
Deepest condolences to the family.
Dixie Garfield says
To Donna and Mike’s children, sending heartfelt sympathy in the passing of your husband and father. He was a wonderful man. I’ve often wondered where he and his family were. As a counselor, he was a great source of encouragement to all the high school students at St. Labre during the time I attended school there. Later, he was the best supervisor I ever had when I worked for the State. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cathy and Curt Fleming says
Donna, Dan and Mary and all the rest of the family – our deepest sympathy for the passing of Mike. He always had a smile for everyone. I know his last years were hard but now he is at peace and you do have a lot of great memories. May God be with you and yours and bring you peace. We will be thinking of you and praying for you.
Nellie Speelman says
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family. No words can express my feeling at this time. Just know we love you.
Carla Hecker says
So sorry to hear about the loss of Mike. He was kind enough to hire me as a secretarial assistant when I was in high school and was such a pleasure to work with. He was always kind to me through the years. He will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
robin stephens says
To all of Mike’s family:. I am sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a one of a kind and taht is a sincere compliment!! He will definitely live things up in heaven! I may not be able to make funeral but I will thinking about him this weekend. Prayers to the family. Rob Stephens
Bruce Watters says
When I arrived in Forsyth in 1979 Mike was one of the first people I met. Being from Butte myself, Mike was very kind and helpful to me. I noticed recently that Bob Ash and Dave Polley have passed. Mike, Dave and Bob were good to me. I moved on to Billings and will always remember their kindness.
Donna Orthman says
I had the pleasure of meeting Mike about 30 years ago through my employment with the state. He was always friendly, had a smile on his face and a kind word. I have many fond memories of him and fun conversations. He will be missed by all who knew him and I send my prayers to his family. He was special.
Sharon Lincoln says
Donna and family, I am so sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. He was a great guy and lots of fun.
While this will leave a hole in your heart, I believe he and Connie will be reunited in Heaven. Take
comfort in your memories.
Rayetta Fjell says
Donna & family; so sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him wherever we crossed paths. I will always remember the many years of him teaching along side my Mother at St Labre. God be with you and May all the good memories
bring you peace.
Rayetta Schonenbach Fjell says
Donna;
I am sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. I will always remember him teaching along side my Mother Gladys at St Labre School. May God be with you and all the memories give you comfort.
Rayetta Schonenbach Fjell says
Donna & family;
I am sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. I remember him teaching along side my Mother Gladys at St Labre Mission. May you find Peace and comfort with all the good memories.
Marian & Ernie Icopini says
Love and Prayers are with you and your family, Donna
Mike was a good guy and will be missed.
Denise Jaramillo says
Donna and family,
I was sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Pennie Loomis says
Donna and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mike was a great guy and a good friend to everyone. As you sometimes said, “He never met a stranger.”
My prayers are with you.
John and Janet Weis says
Sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. So many fun times in Pinedale. Sending love and prayers.
John and Janet Weis says
So sorry to read of Mike’s passing. God Bless.
Carol (Edwards) Lewis says
Mr. Kennedy was such a wonderful teacher! His classes in Pinedale in the early 1960’s were well attended and we learned so much. I’m pretty sure I took all of the classes he taught!
Blessings, Carol (Edwards)Lewis