Dr. Peter Kennedy (1952-2020)

KELLY, KENNEDY, RIDER

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 6/12/2020 at 16:51:14

Dr. Peter Kennedy passed away on Wednesday June 10th at his home in Monticello, Iowa after a heroic, 53 year battle with diabetes.
His family will greet friends from 2 to 4 pm on Monday, June 15, 2020 at the Goettsch Funeral Home, Monticello. Thoughts, memories and condolences may be shared with them by using the "Guestbook" tab located to the left.
Peter was born on November 15th, 1952 and grew up in Rock Island, Illinois. The 7th of 10 children, his parents were Francis J. and Ellen (Kelly) Kennedy. He attended school at Sacred Heart and St. Joseph's grade schools, and like all of his siblings, continued at Alleman High School, graduating in 1971. Pete was an outstanding competitor and teammate in football, baseball and wrestling and held the position of senior class president. Pete maintained contact with many high school friends over the years, and instigated most of the trouble they got into!
Working to put himself through college, Pete went on to graduate from Palmer College of Chiropractic. Dr. Kennedy then opened his chiropractic practice in Monticello, Iowa where he served his community as a healer for nearly 40 years. He and his wife, Ruth Rider, raised three sons – Patrick, Michael and Andrew. After developing an interest in photography Pete became passionate about capturing photos of his boys in sports. He eventually became an unofficial photographer for all Monticello kids’ sports, including not only the athletes but the fans as well. His photography for the Monticello wrestling yearbook earned it the best yearbook of the year in competition with other schools, and even major universities. His documentary of the Kennedy family events and reunions is unparalleled. Peter's library of Monticello sporting photos will be donated to the Monticello community and consists of hundreds of albums.
He is survived by a family of 124 - siblings, sons, nieces, nephews, great and grand nieces and nephews. He will be remembered with love.