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Michael E. Kennelly

Posted 2008-12-16 by Judy Wight Branson
The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona
Sunday, January 7, 2007

Michael E. Kennelly, 73, of Chino Valley, Arizona, passed away on January 1, 2007.

Mike was a North High and U of A graduate. He worked for Tanner Brothers and Benson & Gerdin Engineering in Phoenix before opening his own Consulting Civil/ Structural Engineering firm in Prescott.

Mike was a active member of the Phoenix Jaycees, serving as a director, Treasurer and Rodeo Chair. Soap Box Derby Chairman and built the South Mountain Track/Mike served on Phoenix's Planning and Zoning Commission he was chairman form 1978 to 1980. Mike was a Smoki Chief, Rodeo Chairman for the Central Yavapai Rodeo Chairman and Chairman of the Chino Valley Aquatic Center.

He is survived by his wife, Susan; sons, Kevin (Sherrill) James (Marge) and Brian (Robin); daughters, Mary Dietrich and Bridget Kennelly; stepchildren, Steven (Pam) Netherton and Jeanine M. Liss; 18 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter, Kathleen.

A Western Celebration of Mike's life will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 9, at the Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home, 303 S. Cortez, Prescott, Ariz. with a reception following.

Friends of Chino Valley Library, P.O. Box 593
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The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona
Thursday, January 4, 2007

Michael E. Kennelly, 73, of Paulden, born Aug. 17, 1933, in St. Louis, Mo., died Monday, Jan. 1, 2007 at Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott, Arizona.

A Celebration of Mike’s Life will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, at Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home, corner of Cortez and Carlton in Prescott, with a reception following in the Carriage House.

A private cremation was at Bradshaw Crematory in Prescott Valley.

Arrangements handled by Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home.
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The Prescott Courier, Prescott, Arizona
Monday, January 8, 2007

Michael Emmett Kennelly died Jan. 1, 2007, at Yavapai Regional Medical Center. He was born Aug. 17, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Wi1liam and Juanita (Randolph) Kennelly. Mike was 73 years old.

Mike's family moved to Phoenix, where he graduated from North High School. He received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Arizona in 1955. He played the bass drum for the Wild cats marching band.

Mike started his career with Monsanto Chemical Company back home in St. Louis but returned to Phoenix when his father became ill. He worked for Tanner Brothers and Benson and Gerdin Engineering. Mike and Susan moved to Prescott in 1985, where he opened up his engineering practice, Kennelly Associates, Consulting Civil/Structural Engineers, which continues today in Chino Valley.

Mike was always very active in Phoenix. He was a Jaycee, serving as a director, Treasurer, Rodeo Chairman, JCI Senator, and delegate to many National JCI conventions; the Soap Box Derby Chairman, for which he surveyed, designed and constructed the Soap Box Derby Track at South Mountain Park; coached Little League Baseball; served on the City of Phoenix Planning and Zoning Commission from 1973-82, being Chairman from 1978-80; and was a member of the Phoenix 50.

Mike loved the tri-cities area, but especially the rural lifestyle and friendliness of the people of Chino Valley. He was a member of the Smoki People and Chief "Iron Eagle" in 1990, the last year they gathered on Smoki Mesa for the Smoki Ceremonial and Snake Dance.

Mike helped incorporated the Central Yavapai Rodeo Association in 1997 and was president for the first Territorial Rodeo. He was active with the Chino Valley Recreation Foundation; as the current Chairman, he was very proud of everyone who contributed to bring the Chino Valley Aquatic Center to fruition.

Mike is survived by his beloved Susan; they were married March 24, 1984; sons Kevin (Sherrill), James (Marge), and Brian (Robin); daughters Mary Dietrich and Bridget Kennelly; step-children Steven (Pam) Netherton and Jeanine M. Liss; 18 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathleen Ann O'Day, in 2000.

A Western Celebration of Mike's life will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, at the Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home, 303 S. Cortez, Prescott, with a reception following in the Carriage House.





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