Joanne K. Kennedy

Oct. 5, 1936--Sept. 2, 2005

GOTHENEBURG -- Joanne K. Kennedy, 68, died Friday (Sept. 2, 2005).

Joanne was born Oct. 5, 1936, at Ainsworth to Armand and Miriam Lambert Carr. She graduated from Springview High School in 1954.

Joanne was married to Bruce L. Kennedy on Dec. 22, 1957, in Ainsworth. She earned a bachelor's degree from Kearney State College in 1977 and later a master's degree in education with a specialization in gifted and behavioral disorders. She was a school teacher for 24 years, including 21 years in the Gothenburg Public School System

Joanne was a volunteer with the Dawson/Gosper County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and was named Nebraska CASA 2003 Volunteer of the Year.

Survivors include her husband, Bruce Kennedy of Gothenburg; one daughter, Dana Jo Kennedy and Mike Weckesser of Reston, Va.; two sons, Jeffrey M. Kennedy of Gothenburg and Jason C. and wife, Anne Kennedy of McCook; mother, Miriam L. Carr of Springview; one brother, Harley Carr and wife, Sharon of Omaha; and six grandchildren, Alex and Tyler Weckesser, Andrew and Kristin Kennedy and Mari and Anna Kennedy

She was preceded in death by one child and her father.

A service of memorial celebration will take place Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church in Gothenburg with the Rev. Matt Coplen officiating.

Private family graveside services will be at the Gothenburg Cemetery.

Visitation will be Monday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Blase Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Dawson/Gosper County CASA (700 N. Washington #205, Lexington, NE 68850) or the First Presbyterian Church (1020 Lake Avenue, Gothenburg, NE).

Blase Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg is in charge of arrangements.