Denise Marie “Dee” Kennedy, 68, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on March 29, 2026, at home in Dubuque, Iowa.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Leonard Funeral and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd, Dubuque, with a Wake Service starting at 1:00 p.m. with Deacon John Stierman officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at the Moose Lodge, 2635 Windsor Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001.

Denise was born on March 13, 1958, in Dubuque, Iowa, to her parents Arnie & Thelma Herrig. From an early age, Denise’s vibrant spirit and warm heart shone brightly, making a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Denise’s devotion to her family was unwavering. On April 22, 1995, she married the love of her life, Alvy Kennedy. Their union was a celebration of a lifelong friendship that grew into a deep and enduring love. They shared little nicknames like “Pepsi” and “Toyota”. Together, they blended into a beautiful family, filled mostly with love, laughter, and cherished memories. They had more than their fair share of trying times but always powered through. Some of her best times were watching her kids and grandkids on the fields and making lifelong friendships with the other moms.

Denise worked a lot to provide the best life for her family, including several years at K-Mart, Kwik Stop, Bunker Hill Golf Course, and ultimately retiring from Loras College. She loved working with the public and had so many stories to share. She also spent years bartending at Goetz’s and The Windsor Tap where she met some of her best, lifelong friends. She played softball with the original “Goetz’s Gang” and later the team moved to Knickers where they were known as “Sister Knickers”. When she wasn’t working you could find her at the ballpark watching AJ & the guys play softball, chatting with her Heartland Nova car club ladies, or enjoying an ice-cold Coca Cola while singing karaoke with AJ and Steph. She loved rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Cubs and Da Bears! She enjoyed cooking and baking – her special ingredient was love and you could taste it in every bite. She cherished holidays and family traditions. She loved St. Patrick’s Day and July 3rd & 4th, but not quite as much as Christmas for her years as Mrs. Claus. She and Santa brought so much joy to so many families throughout the tri-state area.

She especially loved being a grandma. She cherished every moment spent with her grandkids and was so excited to be a Great-Grandma or GG as she called herself. She was always bragging about the kids or grandkids; she was so proud of them. She was always teaching the kids new tricks and telling them funny jokes. Her kids and grandkids were her absolute pride and joy. She “long o vong e dong” them all immensely.

Denise’s sense of humor, laughter and warm smile touched the lives of countless people. All of the kids’ friends said she was the “cool mom” and we knew it! It’s not often that kids want to spend time with their parents, but we did and we always had a great time. Our childhood friends still want to hang out with our mom when they see her out and about! Denise had so many friends who became family. Dee leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to her family and friends. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Denise leaves behind her children, Stephanie (Garren) Cook, Adam “AJ” Kennedy, Melissa (Willie) Harris; son-in-law, Travis Tuegel; step-children, Jennifer Kennedy and Keith (Laci) Kennedy; grandchildren, Bianca, Carter, and Piper Tuegel; Jayden and Dylan Cook; Brody and Lorelai Kennedy; Jayce, Jayden, Jayna, Jayme and Micah Kennedy; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Hart and Camille Hoxsey; siblings, Dawn Rannals, Debbie, Steve, Jon, Dean, and Doreen Herrig; sister-in-law, Amanda Herrig, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Denise was preceded in death by her “Knight in Shining Armor”, Alvy; her parents; her brothers, Jude and Dan Herrig; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Denise’s family would like to send a special thank you to some very special friends & family by choice: Ronda Davis, Cindy McLaughlin, Brenda & Richard Elsamiller, Cindy & Roger Hook, Ilene & Dave Loutsch, Kevin & Sue Mills, and Bev Duncan. Your friendship and support throughout the years (especially the past two years) have never gone unnoticed. You always brought brightness to Mom’s days. We love you and will never forget your generosity and care. I know there is more that we missed but just know that Mom loved her friends and family with all her heart and would go to the ends of the earth for all of you. Lord knows we’ve heard plenty of stories to prove that!

Our friends were right—we truly were the luckiest to have been blessed with the most extraordinary mom and grandma. She gave us everything, and somehow, she seemed to know when it was time to let go, trusting that we would be alright and that life would carry us forward. Two of her favorite songs say what words can’t: The Traveling Wilburys reminding us that “it’s alright… we’re going to the end of the line,” and Bob Marley’s promise that “every little thing’s gonna be alright.” Those lyrics echo her spirit—steady, reassuring, and full of love.