L.V. 'Vic' Kennedy Jr., 97

Dr. L.V. (Vic) Kennedy Jr., 97, peacefully passed away Sept. 17, 2024. 

Vic was born in Billings, Mont., on Jan. 20, 1927, to Leo Victor Kennedy Sr. and Caroline Elizabeth (Nies) Kennedy. During high school, he served as a forest service fire lookout in the Magee Ranger District in Idaho. He graduated early from Billings High School in 1944 to enlist in the Navy. He served as a radio operator and discharged soldiers as WWII was ending. After his military service, he spent time as a bellhop at the Canyon Hotel in Yellowstone National Park, where he met his future bride, Sharon (Kinsella) Kennedy. 

The G.I. Bill allowed Vic to start college at the School of Mines in Butte, Mont., before completing his Bachelor of Science in 1952 from the University of Minnesota. He then went on to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, graduating in 1954 with his DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree. Upon graduation, he set up his dental practice in downtown Coeur d’Alene and worked his entire career from his second-floor office in the Elder Building on Sherman Avenue. 

Family life began with the birth of Susan in 1956, followed by Patrick in 1958 and Gerald in 1965. Growing up, Vic spent time with his family at their cabin in remote northern Idaho. 

Dr. Kennedy retired in 1992 and began traveling with his second wife, Katie. They made trips with their fifth-wheel to the Oregon coast, the Kentucky Derby and to visit relatives throughout the U.S.A. They also spent time at their favorite casinos and racetracks.

Our Dad had a lifelong enjoyment for a good glass of wine, although a “drinkable” wine was OK too, and was a lover of coffee and cooking. Many meals were enjoyed off the grill, with home-grown items from his garden, but he also made an excellent oven brisket. He was an avid reader his entire life, from fiction to history to geology. He was always learning and often read his books several times. Many of his much-loved books were donated to the Cd’A Public Library, which he frequented weekly for many years. Donations were also made to Operation Paperback, which supports our military. 

Vic was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Virginia (Gin), Patricia (Pat), Dean and Beverly (Bev); his wife, Katie Melton Kennedy, passed away Oct. 13, 2023. 

Surviving are his children: Susan Sheehan, Patrick Kennedy and Gerald Kennedy; his stepsons, Ralph Warner and Rich Warner; his grandchildren: Sarah, Michael, Kevin, Jennifer (Adam), Gaby, Jess and Mckenna; great-grandchildren: Aria, Paxton and Briar; and many nieces and nephews. 

Dad is missed so much by those of us who loved him. We have our wonderful memories that we will carry with us always. 

The family expresses extreme gratitude and thanks to all who cared for our dad at the Schneidmiller House in Coeur d’Alene. We also extend much love and appreciation to our brother, Pat, who helped our dad with anything, whether yard/house chores, having a cup of coffee or sharing a Huddy burger. 

The family will gather privately at a later date. Please visit Vic’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.