William "Bill" Kennedy

Passed away peacefully on October 22 surrounded by his wife and children.

Bill was born in Duluth to parents Robert and Marie. He grew up on the Central Hillside, roaming the neighborhood with friends he would retain his whole life. He graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1965 and from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1969 with a major in History and Social Studies. He married the love of his life Barb in 1969 and taught history and social studies at Prior Lake Catholic School. Duluth called Bill and Barb back in 1971. He worked in sales for Curtis 1000, Met Life, and Allstate Insurance companies before starting an independent agency with his business partner Gary where the door was always open and the coffee pot was always on. Although “retired” for many years, he enjoyed helping his longtime customers and only recently stopped renewing his insurance agent license.

Bill’s hobbies were many and included bowling at Country Lanes, golfing, playing softball, playing cards, reading, collecting music, and spending time at his cabin in Cotton. During his lifetime he volunteered as a coach for soccer, t-ball, and softball; at St. Joseph’s parish (church council, usher, and Knights of Columbus); and served as a tutor for Birchwood School. His favorite hobby, however, was spending time with his family in the roles of dad and grandpa.

Bill was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert, Marshall, and Patrick.

Bill will be dearly missed by his wife of 57 years Barb; his dear brother, Mike; his children, Kerry (Dean), Cassie (Lance), and Calley; and his grandkids, (Sophia, Ava, Amelia, Ezra, Liam, Jocelyn, and Spencer).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, November 8, 2026 at St. Josephs Catholic Church, 151 W. Linden Street, Duluth with a Visitation beginning at 12:00pm. Luncheon to follow. Burial will be held at 10am on Monday, November 8th at Calvary Cemetery.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555.