David Kennedy

David Roy Kennedy, 80, of Petoskey, formerly of Gobles, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on January 26, 2025.

Dave was born on May 7, 1944, in Plainwell, Michigan, to Harold and Verna (Baker) Kennedy. He attended Otsego Public Schools. After graduating high school, Dave was drafted into the United States Army, where he proudly served as a cook from 1965 to 1967. Following his honorable discharge, Dave joined the Merchant Marine and later worked in the restaurant industry, using the skills he had learned in the Army. In his early 20s, he managed a restaurant called Bonanza. He then worked for many years at Parker Hannifin in Otsego, where he met his future wife, Joanne Honeysett.

On May 23, 1974, Dave married Joanne, and they made their home in Gobles, where they raised their family. In his younger years, Dave enjoyed hunting and was a proud member of the Elks Lodge and the American Legion. He loved spending time tinkering in his shop, working on countless projects-some completed, others not! He also enjoyed riding his tractor, woodworking, and fishing. In addition, Dave ran his own construction company for a time and spent one year teaching Building Trades at Otsego Public Schools. His final career was as an over-the-road truck driver.

In 2017, Dave and Joanne moved to Petoskey to be closer to family and to enjoy their retirement years. Above all, Dave cherished being a grandpa. He was always involved in his grandchildren's activities, and one of his many fond memories was helping his grandson Josh build a potato shooter for his 8th-grade history class project. Dave's humor, lightheartedness, and comforting presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife Joanne Kennedy of Petoskey; their four children, Wendy (Dean) Cassada of Mattawan, Michigan, Tabbie (Brad) Engel of Gobles, Michigan, Eric (Emilee) Kennedy of Petoskey, Michigan, and Lisa Kennedy of Byron, Minnesota; grandchildren Skyler (Brihkel), Logan, Kirsten (Sebastian), Josh, Emma, Eli, Ethan, Evan and Styles; brother Bill (Vic) Kennedy and sister Kim (Mike) Fullerton.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents; sister Carol Seekman; and brother Ron Kennedy.

There will be a memorial gathering for friends and family on February 15, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Kennedy home (7381 Martinchek Road, Petoskey, MI 49770).

For those wishing to make a charitable donation in Dave's memory, please consider giving to the National Down Syndrome Society (ndss.org).

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home, Petoskey.