Dr. Michael Allen (Al) Kennedy, 84, of Cherokee passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cherokee. Father Dan Rupp will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery at Cherokee. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, from 4-7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the family being present from 5-7 p.m. There will be a prayer service at the church at 7 p.m. on Friday. Boothby Funeral Home of Cherokee is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.boothbyfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a future project in Al's honor.
Al was born on May 7, 1942, to Elmer and Margaret (Lite) Kennedy in Le Mars. He graduated from Le Mars Gehlen Catholic School and was a lifelong Gehlen fan. He received his undergraduate degree from St. John's University and continued his education graduating from Palmer Chiropractic College in 1964. He was united in marriage on Aug. 29, 1964, to Dr. Ramona Meylor at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Cherokee.
In 1965, Al began caring for the community of Cherokee and surrounding area by opening up Kennedy Chiropractic, where he faithfully served for 52 years. He dedicated his time to the community through the Cherokee Jaycees and serving on the Country Club board. Al was a member of Immaculate Conception Church and was a 4th Degree Member of Knights of Columbus. He served on the Knights of Columbus Exemplification Team as the State Marshall for 22 years. Professionally, he was a lifelong member of the Iowa Chiropractic Society, American Chiropractic Society, Parker Chiropractic Management, and Pinnacle Chiropractic.
Al embraced life with love and positivity and treasured the time he spent with those he cared for. He enjoyed collecting John Deere tractors, snowmobiling and riding his trike. He enjoyed many Canadian fishing trips, adventures in Sturgis and excursions with Ramona in their camper, creating countless memories along the way. As a devoted Notre Dame fan, Al proudly served as an usher at Notre Dame football games for nine years sharing his love for the Fighting Irish with fellow fans. Lake Okoboji was one of his favorite places where he welcomed family and friends with open arms and never missed an opportunity to fish off the dock and enjoy happy hour. Above all, he was his grandchildren's biggest fan, rarely missing an opportunity to support them at their sporting events, performances and activities. His unwavering encouragement, infectious smile, caring spirit, endless jokes, entertaining stories and love of family and friends will be deeply missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Colleen Kunkel; brother Larry Kennedy; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Mary Meylor; and four brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law.
Al will be greatly missed by his wife, Ramona Kennedy of Cherokee; five children: Kelli (Terry) Slattery of Oro Valley, Ariz.; Dr. Kathleen (Steve) Doohen of Ankeny; Dr. Khristi (Tony) Wickham of Libby, Mont.; John Kennedy of Aurora, Colo.; Dr. Dan (Dr. Adrienne) Kennedy of Cherokee grandchildren: Riley (Salyna) Slattery, Shannan Slattery, John Doohen, Connor Doohen, Mitch Otto, Dr. Levi Otto, Dr. to be Nick Otto, Drew Kennedy, Cade Kennedy (Jolina), Ireland Kennedy, Baleigh Kennedy and Jameson Kennedy; great-grandson Cash Kennedy; brother Pat (Marilyn) Kennedy of Le Mars; many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
