Rev. Bernard Earl Kennedy, OFM, 66, passed away October 17, 2026.

Visitation will be from 8:30-10:45a.m., Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish-Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 2921 Central Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52001. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00a.m., with Rev. John Dombrowski, OFM officiating. A livestream of the funeral mass can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/event/6289285.

Bernard was born on May 6, 1960, to Bernard and Delaine (Freiburger) Kennedy in Dubuque, IA.

He attended Holy Ghost Grade School and Wahlert Catholic High School. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree from Loras College and went on to earn his Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and then received his MA in Educational Administration from Dominican University.

Bernard was ordained to the order of St. Francis, Assumption Province on June 4, 1988. He was a Franciscan priest with the order for 38 years.

In 1995, at the age of 35, Fr. Bernard was featured in a newspaper article for undergoing a kidney transplant. The donor was his sister, Susan, who worked as a nurse at a dialysis clinic in Dubuque. The procedure was a success, and he was more than grateful to his sister for her selfless act of charity. “I think it’s a miracle,” said Fr. Bernard after the surgery, noting how much better he felt. In 2007, Fr. Bernard received his second kidney donation from his sister Peggy.

Fr. Bernard loved being a Franciscan, and it showed. Despite health challenges from a childhood diagnosis of diabetes, he found joy in simple moments, and he shared that joy. Bernard resided in Dubuque, Pulaski, Chicago, Philadelphia, and most recently Burlington, WI. Bernard helped others discover their calling and find a life of fulfillment. He is remembered for his generous heart and devotion to teaching and ministering to high school students, forming young friars and instructing diaconal candidates for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

In 2005, his life took a new direction when his focus shifted to helping men discerning and witnessing the Franciscan life. He served at the St. Joseph Interprovincial Friary as director of the post-novitiate formation program (2005 to 2014), secretary of formation and studies (2005 to 2011), director of ongoing formation (2005 to 2014), director of priestly studies (2005 to 2014) and Provincial Councilor (2005 to 2011) for the legacy Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province.

Along with his devotion to the Franciscans, Fr. Bernard was an avid gardener. Wherever he lived, Fr. Bernard planted flowers and vegetables, enjoying the work of the harvest. Most recently at Queen of Peace Friary, Bernard, along with other members of the community, planted a garden that he and some of his sisters were able to harvest before his illness.

Bernard is survived by his siblings, Ann (Miles) Kiley of Benton, WI, Susan (Steve) Wagner of Dubuque, IA, Sr. Patricia Kennedy, OSB of St. Joseph’s, MN, Nona (David) Cooper of Dubuque, Kay (Bill) Beaster of Dubuque, Gwen (Don) Hesselman of Dubuque, Peggy (Randy) Dolson of Gunnison, CO, and Kerri (Bill) Feldhaus of Hiawatha, IA. Bernard is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Fr. Bernard is also survived by his friar brothers of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Delaine (Freiburger) Kennedy; his paternal grandparents, Earl and Pearl (McConnell) Kennedy; his maternal grandparents, Nicholas and Anna (Hess) Freiburger.

Bernard’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Queen of Peace Friary, Burlington, WI, and to the staff of Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, for their loving and compassionate care.

Memorials may be given to Breakthrough T1D, P.O. Box 5043, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or Queen of Peace Friary, 2281 South Browns Lake Drive, Burlington, WI 53105.

The Egelhof, Siegert and Casper Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.