Jim A. Kenney

Jim Kenney ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Brick-Meger Funeral Home on Mar. 17, 2026.James Kenney passed away on March 14, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born in Faribault, MN, on January 29, 1941, the second child of Hugh J. and Vera (Hunt) Kenney.After graduating from Ellendale High School in 1959, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served with the 101st Airborne Division. In 1963, he married Dorothy Schiller. They made their home in Owatonna and had five children. In 1971 Jim and partners started KSW Roofing & Heating. Soon after, he bought the company and developed it into a successful business serving Owatonna and the surrounding area for the next forty-four years. Through his hard work and dedication, he made a lasting impact on the community.Jim was a parishioner at St. Joseph Church and Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed serving others. He was caretaker for his sisters-in-law, Leona Pogones and Martha Johnson, after their husbands' deaths. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels, was a funeral luncheon volunteer and helped with St. Vincent de Paul suppers at St. Joseph. He could often be found shuttling his friends and neighbors to their appointments or to the airport.Jim lived at Morehouse Place and served as President on the board. He enjoyed baking for and socializing with the other residents. He also loved fishing, hunting, golfing, playing cards and bingo. Most of all he enjoyed his family and being a Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa.Jim is survived by sons Steve (Darlene) Kenney, Mark (Mary) Kenney, David (Lisa Pettitt) Kenney, Paul (Lori) Kenney, and daughter Judy (Eric) Munshower. He is also survived by grandchildren: Patrick (Kelly) Kenney, Rachel (Blake) Hayden, Nichole (Chris) Harbal, Sarah (Nathan) Bolton, Elizabeth Kenney, Sophia Pettitt-Kenney, Jayne Munshower (Augrim Adhikari), Lydia Kenney, Erin Kenney (Andrew Thompson),Teresa Pettitt-Kenney, Nathan Munshower, Hugh Pettitt-Kenney, and Alison Munshower; great-grandchildren Lucas, Andrew and Liara Kenney, Finnan Bolton, Quinn Hayden and Amara Harbal. Also surviving him are sisters Janet (David) Motz, Mary (Arlyn) Proksch, and Kathleen Huffman and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years, Dorry, whom he cared for at home after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Vera Kenney, and brother-in-law, Dennis Huffman.Friends may greet the family Friday, March 20, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 PM at Brick-Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Road, Owatonna), with a Knights of Columbus Rosary recited at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue at 9:30 AM Saturday, March 21, 2025, at St. Joseph Church (512 S. Elm Ave, Owatonna), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery with military honors provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.Memorials in honor of Jim may be given to the Catholic Community Adoration Chapel or St. Joseph Catholic Church.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.