William E. Kennedy passed away on March 12th at the age of 82.

Born in Peoria, Illinois in 1943, Bill’s first love as a child was writing stories. Known by friends and family for his artistic and poetic sensibility, he was equally at ease in the worlds of history and philosophy. In 1965, he received a BA in Political Science from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, where he met, and fell instantly in love with, Mary Kay Niemeyer. She could laugh at Bill's antics and cherish him at the same time. He deserved both the respect and hilarity, and she soon became his beloved wife.

As a young man, Bill spent years researching fashion trends around the world for department stores such as Dayton's and Bloomingdale’s, and apparel manufacturers including Donna Karan and Nike. After raising kids in Minneapolis, Bill’s career landed the family in place after place - they lived coast to coast and in between. All the while, he wrote poetry and stories, with accomplished teacher Mary Kay frequently editing and offering support.

Upon moving to Jamestown, ND in 2004, Bill and Mary Kay taught creative writing to students at all levels, from elementary school to long term care residents. Bill went on to become Marketing Director at the Jamestown Regional Medical Center, and Development Director at both Ave Maria Village and the James River Valley Library System. A vibrant force of good, he created the Friends of the Library group, a volunteer organization dedicated to fundraising and advocacy for the local library system.

Never one to give up on a dream, Bill received his MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University at the age of 65. Throughout his life, he wrote poetry, short stories, essays, children’s books, and a historical novel. In one of his last notebooks, he listed the things he’d learned from his father. Number one was to always be kind.

Bill is survived by his wife Mary Kay Kennedy, children Shannon and Colin Kennedy, his sister Mary Jane Hughes, his in-laws in the Hughes, Smolen, Niemeyer and Sumbs’ families, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William J. and Mary M. Kennedy, and his sister Julie Smolen.

Mass of Christian Burial- 10:00 AM Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the Basilica of St. James in Jamestown.
The Livestream of the Funeral Mass is available- CLICK HERE

Prayer Service- 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 20 at the funeral home.
The Livestream of the Prayer Service is available- CLICK HERE

Interment- Calvary Cemetery, Jamestown, ND.

Arrangements- Haut Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND.

William Kennedy

October 01, 1943 - March 12, 2026

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