Emma Jean (Smith) Kennedy

Emma Jean Kennedy, 87, of Manchester, Iowa, died on Monday, February 5, 2018, at the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester from cancer and complications. Per Emma’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services. Private burial will be at East Side Cemetery in Elkader at a later date.

Emma was born September 29, 1930, the daughter of Silas and Carrie (Lewis) Smith, near Hopkinton, Iowa, the eighth of nine children. She graduated from Manchester High School and was united in marriage to William T. “Bill” Kennedy of Manchester. For most of her working career, she was in the health-care field and was a long-time employee of Dr. Tappan and Dr. Landis, optometrists in Elkader, and of Home Instead in Dyersville. She also volunteered as an EMT. 

Emma was a member of the United Methodist Church in Manchester. She enjoyed refinishing furniture, gardening, and spending time with family and friends, including card club and coffee group. She had a special place in her heart for her dog, Charlie.

Survivors include her children, Jane Jackson of Marion, Bob (Linda) Kennedy of Cedar Falls, Doug Kennedy of Altoona, and Lori Thomas (Ric) of Marion; grandchildren, Lindsay, Jill, Brandy, Rachel, Jessica, Patrick, Bill, and Cameron; nine great grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Moser and Betty Conrad; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Emma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bill; brothers, Arba, Doran, and Donald; and sisters, Belle, Corinne, and Mae.

Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous of Iowa.

Condolences may be included online here at www.leonard-mullerfh.com or sent to Bob Kennedy at 943 Parkway Court, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emma Jean (Smith) Kennedy, please visit our floral store.