Michael "Kenner" Kory Kennedy was born in Faribault, MN on July 9, 1967, and passed away on February 12, 2025, in St. Paul, MN from natural causes. He is survived by his brother Scott (Leslie) Kennedy, nephews Nathan Keith (Krista) Kennedy and their children William and Benjamin, Nevin Kyle (Sara) Kennedy and their children Luna May and Bartholomew, his aunts, many cousins, and thousands of friends who cannot imagine life without him.

Kenner would say he was the luckiest guy in the world for being able to call all of you friends. He was good at being a friend. He was a listener and a storyteller. He was wise and steady and generous with his time. He had an easy authenticity that drew people to him. His smile and hardy laugh will stick in our minds as glorious, permanent memories that will help get us through the next days, months and years without him.

Kenner was a boy of Southern MN but a lover of the whole State of Minnesota. He graduated from Faribault High School in 1986 where he was active in football, hockey, and baseball. He earned his bachelor's degree in political science and government from Mankato State University in 1990 and remained a life-long fan of the Mavericks.

He was the quiet leader and brilliant organizer for the DFL. He ushered new candidates into office, lent a sound ear to candidates already in office, and expertly led legions of field workers through their first political experiences, inspiring the next generations of young people to participate in the system he believed in to his core.

He loved music and the stories good songs tell. While Brian Wilson held a big chunk of Kenner's musical heart, he also amazed us with his depth of understanding and knowledge of all genres which demonstrated his status as a true music aficionado and connoisseur.

He played softball and broomball, but hockey was his first love, and he played in several leagues. Though we are all positive his death came too soon, Kenner probably wouldn't have chosen any other way to go than on a cold night, after a sweaty, fast hockey game with a bunch of good friends.

We will miss him so much.

Kenner is preceded in death by his dad, John H. Kennedy, his mom, Naomi A. (Miller) Kennedy, and two infant brothers, Robert and John Kennedy.

A Celebration of Kenner's Life will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 2 P.M. at the Carpenters Local 332 Great Hall, 730 Olive St, St Paul, MN 55130 followed by a reception at 3 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the Kennedys ask those wishing to keep Kenner's memory alive consider a donation to the Minnesota DFL. Kenner spent his life's work dedicated to the organizing and fundraising work to keep Minnesota blue. His legacy at the DFL will impact Minnesotans - and those doing the hard organizing work in the field - for decades to come. A link to The Kenner Memorial Fund may be found here: dfl.org/mikekennedy. To contribute by check, please send a contribution made out to "Minnesota DFL" to: Minnesota DFL, 255 E Plato Blvd, Saint Paul, MN 55107