Phillip P. Kennedy, 76, of Peosta, Iowa, passed away suddenly this Sunday, August 9, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation for Phil will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 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. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian burial for Phil will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Peosta, Iowa, with Rev. Phil Gibbs presiding.  Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery in Placid, Iowa.

Phil was born October 5, 1949, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Martin W. “Gue” and Helen E. (Delaney) Kennedy.  He is a 1967 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School in Farley, Iowa.

One of the greatest joys in his life was being united in marriage to Evelyn Esch on May 12, 1972, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa, she was the love of his life.  Together, they built a beautiful family and life filled with love, laughter and many cherished memories that will remain in their hearts forever.

Phil was a deeply loving, generous, and kind man who served as the steady rock for our family. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. He loved to spend time watching the kids’ sporting events, and just spending time with them, whether that be fishing or working on projects together.

His steadfast presence, warmth, and unconditional generosity created a safe harbor for everyone who knew him. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy built on family, devotion, and countless cherished memories that will be carried forward by his loved ones forever.

He spent most of his career at the John Deere Dubuque Works, where he spent the first 15 years in the foundry.  Through his commitment and strong work ethics, he advanced into a supervisory position, earning the deserved respect of his coworkers.  He proudly dedicated 31 years of his life to John Deere Dubuque Works.   His career gave him a source of great pride and accomplishment.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 54 years, Evelyn Kennedy of Peosta, IA; his three children, Mollie (Jamie) Recker of Cascade, IA, Chad Kennedy of Epworth, IA, and Matt (Elizabeth) Kennedy of Victoria, MN; his eight wonderful grandchildren, Cole and Madeline Recker, Isabella and Chase Kennedy,  Josie, Cade, Jace and Cody Kennedy;  Phil’s siblings:  Martin (Barb) Kennedy of Farley, IA, Ann (Dan) Busch of Dubuque,  Jan (Doug) Fern of Dubuque, IA, Peter (Natalia) Kennedy of Hills, IA, Jane (David) Weatherwax of Delhi, IA, Lori (Tim) McDermott of Peosta, IA, along with brothers and sisters-in-laws, Tim (Jackie) Esch of Dubuque, IA and  Pat (Lisa) Esch of Asbury, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, George and Ramona Esch.