Patrick A. Kennedy, 87, of Placid, Iowa passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at his home in Placid surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation for Patrick will be held from 3 to 7 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m.  Visitation will also be held after 9 a.m., Tuesday at the funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Pat will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist in Placid, Iowa, with Rev. Thomas McDermott presiding and Rev. Steven Garner concelebrating.  Burial will be held in the church cemetery.

Pat was born March 3, 1938, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Clarence and Leona (Benke) Kennedy.  He attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in Placid, where he claims he had to walk uphill both ways.   He is a graduate of St., Joseph’s High School in Farley, Iowa.

On July 11, 1959, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Nelda Beresford at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa.  He farmed and nurtured the land he loved for his entire life in the Placid community that he treasured.  He was a very loyal friend to many.  His greatest joy was his wife and seven daughters.

He was an honest hard working and faith filled man.  He was so much fun to be around (unless you were sorting or loading pigs).   He was well known for his many pranks and his quick wit

He also worked at John Deere Dubuque Works and then Standard Oil.  He was a very active member of the St. John’s Parish, where he served on the Parish Council and was a very active member of the choir for over 40 years.

He is survived by his wife, Nelda Kennedy of Placid; his seven daughters, Kim (Tony) Maahs of Epworth, Trish Kopp of Dubuque, Cherie Kennedy of Placid, Annette (Kevin) Anstoetter of Epworth, Lynn (Merle) Ambrosy of Placid, Kelly (Jeff) Stecklein of Placid, and Peggy (Jeff) Gaul of Cascade; 14 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and 2 more on the way; his siblings, Yvonne (Duane) Werner of Dyersville, Sheila McQuillen of Papillion, NE, Leo (Helen) Kennedy of Peosta, Lloyd (Judy) Kennedy of Placid;  sisters-in-laws, Joan Kennedy of Dyersville, Donna Gerken of Farley, Jean (John) Heiberger of Epworth and Donna Beresford of Dubuque.

He is preceded in death by his parents; a son-in-law, Joe Kopp; a brother, Vernon Kennedy; his father and mother-in-law, Walter and Viola Beresford; sisters and brothers-in-law, Jim McQuillen, Melrose (Marv) Schute, Nona (Gus) Rossknecht, Tommy Beresford, Darlene (Ray) Fries, Bill Gerken, Bill Beresford, Jimmy Beresford, and Terry Beresford.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Hermann and his staff and Hospice of Dubuque for all the kindness, care and support given to him and his family.