Thomas "Tom" A. Kennedy, age 72 of Beaver Dam, went to his Heavenly home after passing away peacefully on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Visitation for Thomas will take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also take place on Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 511 S. Spring St., Beaver Dam, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 with Fr. Will Arnold as Celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Beaver Dam. Friends and family are invited to join us for a luncheon following the burial at the St. Katharine Drexel Parish Center.

Tom and his twin brother, Don, were born on November 8, 1951; the sons of John and Merlyn (Criter) Kennedy in Beaver Dam. He cherished being raised in a closely-knit family of 11 children. He went to grade school at St. Patrick's in Beaver Dam. In 1970, he graduated from Beaver Dam High School.  He later graduated with honors from Madison Area Technical College in 1972, earning a degree in architecture.

On May 19, 1979, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Laurie A. Champine, at St. Patrick's Church in Beaver Dam. Together they raised three children who were their pride and joy; two daughters Cara Kennedy-Dassler and Brooke Kennedy, and one son Eric. Tom was a tirelessly devoted father and instilled in his children the qualities of hard work, honesty, and discipline.

After graduating from college, he started his career in architecture, civil engineering, land surveying, and soil testing by joining the consulting firm of Central Engineers & Surveyors of Beaver Dam where he was employed for 15 years. He then worked 20 years for the City of Beaver Dam in the Engineering Department, ultimately being promoted to the department head position as Engineering Coordinator. Tom always worked hard and excelled in all the positions he held.

In 2008, Tom was elected Beaver Dam's Mayor where he proudly served nine years (four terms) from 2008 through 2017. During his mayoral service, he authored the historical document of Beaver Dam called "Mayors of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin 1856 – 2016," a compilation and illustration of all the previous city mayors and their life as mayor. This document is available at the city library.

Tom was very active in the community, serving in many capacities such as: a certified fire fighter for 11 years with the Beaver Dam Fire Department; a member of St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Beaver Dam; Tom served on the parish council of the former St. Patrick's Catholic Parish of Beaver Dam, was also a member of the parishes finance committee and for many years dedicated chairperson of the building and grounds committee. He also served many years as sexton/caretaker of St. Patrick's Cemetery in Beaver Dam. Tom was also a very active member and former officer of the Beaver Dam Knights of Columbus Council 1837; he was a former member and officer of the Beaver Dam Elks Lodge #1540; was a former member of the Beaver Dam Exchange Club; and former member of the Beaver Dam A.M. Kiwanis Club. He also volunteered with the PAL's program through the Beaver Dam School District. After retirement, Tom was active at the Beaver Dam Watermark Community Center and the YMCA.

Tom always enjoyed vacationing with his immediate family, landscaping and gardening, and remodeling homes. Tom loved nature and animals, and was very compassionate about his many beloved dogs over the years. Tom always was very passionate about helping and improving the lives of his children, family, and others around him. Because of his love and appreciation of being with people, Tom found great joy in making others happy. Tom will be fondly remembered for his kind heart and willingness to always help others.  During the past several years, Tom spent quality time and gave special quality care for his twin brother Don after experiencing his unexpected health issues.  He loved nothing more than being able to spend time with his family.

Tom will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 45 years Laurie, his three children: daughters Cara (Nate) Dassler of Beaver Dam, and Brooke Kennedy (special friend Brendan Conaway) of Beaver Dam; and son Eric Kennedy (Alexandra) of Waukesha; his loving grandchildren Breelyn Dassler and Kenslie Dassler (both of Beaver Dam) and Audriana Kennedy (Waukesha); his siblings: twin brother Donald of Beaver Dam; his other brothers:  Patrick (Maggie) Kennedy of Port Washington, Timothy (Jackie) of Salamanca, NY, John (Keri) of Wausau; his sisters Cynthia (Peter) Elliott of Rifle, CO, Deborah (Charles) Brown of Germantown, Kim (special friend Larry Affeldt) of Beaver Dam, and Megan (Daniel) Schultz of Germantown; brother-in-law Malcolm McIntyre of Green Lake; his wife's aunt Pat Donahue, father-in-law James Champine and brother-in-law Tony (Terri) Champine all of Beaver Dam. Tom is further survived by many close nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents John in 1986 and Merlyn (Criter) Kennedy in 1999; his paternal grandparents John and Emma (Braun) Kennedy; maternal grandparents Elmer and Gertrude (Stahl) Criter; his sisters, Jeanne Kennedy in 2006 and Kathleen McIntyre in 2014; his mother-in-law Anne Champine in 2021, stepfather-in-law Jerry Goers in 2008, stepmother-in-law Joyce Champine in 2009, sister-in-law Annette Neuman in 2011, and brother-in-law Daniel Champine in 2021.

The family of Tom would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Todd Michael and Cornerstone Funeral Home for their comfort, support, and professionalism during this time.

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the family.