Catherine Mary Kennedy

Catherine “Cady” (Krattenmaker) Kennedy was born April 30, 1923 in Murdock, Minnesota to John and Jessie Krattenmaker. She was baptized in 1923 and confirmed in 1935 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Murdock. She attended Murdock School until High School graduation. She was active in band, choir, as a cheerleader, and in 1941 was the second Homecoming Queen of Murdock High School. Cady was employed at Erickson Grocery Store in Murdock. She was employed in Minneapolis for a short time, but in 1944 she returned to Benson to work for her brother Jack who owned the old Viking Café. In 1946, she married Willis “Bill” Kennedy at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Murdock. She was also employed by Breen’s Pharmacy a number of years. She was a member of the Women’s J.C.’s Club, the Swift County Historical Society, the Benson Post #1403 Ladies Auxiliary, and St. Francis Catholic Church. Cady loved to dance, play cards, and travel. She always enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and visiting with friends and family.

Cady is survived by her daughter, Barbara Naig and son, Jack Kennedy; grandchildren: Cammie (Steven) Lillehaug, Troy (Julie) Kennedy, Jamie Naig (fiancé Mandi Vlach); great-grandchildren: Norah Naig, Bradey (Lauren) Lillehaug, Dylan Lillehaug, and Kyle Kennedy; step-great-granddaughter, Danielle Hanson; and one special niece, Maxine Helgeson, who was raised with Cady; 3 sisters-in-law: Anne Krattenmaker of Connecticut, Lucille Ruteledge of Murdock, and Jean Kennedy of Willmar; and many nieces and nephews.

Cady was preceded in death by her husband, Willis “Bill” Kennedy in 1997; grandson, Barry Naig in 1990; son-in-law, Richard Naig in 1997; daughter-in-law Connie Kennedy; and her 7 brothers and 2 sisters that she was raised on the farm with.