Liam Wayne Kenniker, age 10, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey on July 12, 2024, at home, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Liam’s life, a private family Celebration of Life is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Liam’s family.

Liam was born on January 4, 2014, in Dubuque, IA, the oldest son to Jacob and Tara (Perry) Kenniker.  He boldly arrived six weeks early into our world as the Lord simply could not wait to allow Liam to begin his personal ministry of changing the world around him one heart at a time.  He was born with Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH) and from the very beginning Liam would courageously embrace and develop the strength necessary to face each new battle head on.  All who knew and loved him understood quite clearly that each seizure could be the last moment Liam’s light would be shining so brightly.

He recently graduated from the 4th grade at Eisenhower and enjoyed going to school more than most children could appreciate.  Whether he was spending his day in the wheelchair, or made it comfortably into his favorite bean bag chair, Liam was always ready to make the most of each day he was given.  Many would say that Liam was nonverbal; but for those who knew him well, Liam was surely anything but.  He may not have had the ability to use his words as we do, but there was no doubt that when he was not happy with the situation at hand, you would be quite aware of his discontentment and should promptly make the necessary moves to remedy this violation before any further penalties were incurred.  And to witness the joy on his innocent and precious face when the Beatles were playing in the background, or SpongeBob was on the tv was all it took to know that some of the best moments in life are simply the ones which make others hearts sing.  Liam would humbly live his life as offered and proving to be an inspiration to all who crossed his path was merely a side-effect in his eyes.  He brought so much joy and love into this world with an almost effortless enthusiasm and always found the opportunities to show off his courage and inner fighter as just another chance to simply do what he did best; being Liam!  There are surely times in this life where it’s difficult to see the hand of God working within our lives, but when He sends sweet souls like Liam into our world, it’s a true blessing to witness Him working all things for good for those who love Him and consequently reminding us that things are not always as they appear on the outside, but with a little deeper dig towards the truth we can see His ultimate love in a glorious and bold display.  We will miss Liam more than we could ever accurately depict in mere words, but we are beyond blessed to have had him entrusted unto us for even the much too short 10 years we had and will now wait patiently to see him once again, and find comfort in knowing on our next visit, he will be residing in his state of eternal perfection, unencumbered by any of this mortal world’s imperfections.  Thank you, Liam, for impacting this world to a greater level in your single decade than most lives could hope for in a century and may the Lord bless and keep you safe in His loving arms until we meet again.  Job well done good and faithful servant…Job Well Done Liam!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Liam include,

his loving parents,
Jacob Wayne (Tara Jo) Kenniker, Dubuque, IA;

his siblings,
Archie Kenniker and Molly Kenniker, Dubuque, IA;

his grandparents,
Wayne (Lori) Kenniker, Dubuque, IA,
and Brian Perry, Sherrill, IA;

his great-grandmother,
Lavonne Latham, Dubuque, IA;

his great-grandfather,
James Perry, Asbury, IA;

his uncles,
Sam (Ashley) Kenniker, Dubuque, IA,
and Alex Kenniker, Dubuque, IA;

his aunt,
Jill Murphy, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, caretakers, classmates, friends, and neighbors.

Liam was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Gary Latham.

Liam’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque, the team at UICH, the educational staff and therapists, and his in home nurses, Denise and Madison, for all of their professional and compassionate care.  Along with all of our family and friends who have given so generously of their time, love and support throughout Liam’s 10 years among us.  There is no denying that Liam’s impact on the world around him has been immeasurable and life changing, but we also wanted you to know that your imprint on our lives has been priceless as well.  Thank you to each and every one of you and may the Lord bless you all graciously for all of the kindnesses you have shared.

Online condolences may be shared with Liam’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com