Charles John Kennedy

Charles “Chuck” John Kennedy of Andover passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, July 5th, 2024 at Mercy Hospital following a stroke. 

Chuck was born to Charles and Dolores Kennedy on August 28th, 1946 in Coatesville, PA. His family moved to Spring Lake Park, MN where he was voted “Most Unique” in high school. 

Though he protested the Vietnam war, Chuck was drafted to the Army as a cook. While in Vietnam, he used his creative talents to draw cartoons on t-shirts for the Vietnamese children he met on the beach. The smiles and laughter of children carried him through his time in the service.

Upon his return, Chuck met his love, Carolyn Campbell while working at the A&W. They shared a great love of music and laughter. Chuck and Carolyn married on November 17th, 1973. They welcomed two sons and a daughter who were his absolute pride and joy. Chuck was an incredible father and a kid at heart, always playing and finding the most creative and ridiculous ways to make his children and their friends laugh. This joy was renewed when he began welcoming grandchildren. 

Throughout his life, Chuck has enjoyed camping, canoeing, toy collecting, animals, music, movies and most of all his family.

Chuck is survived by his wife Carolyn Kennedy, sons Austin (Coral) Kennedy and Perry (Stephanie) Kennedy, daughter Brook (Mike) Peschken, grandchildren Kaiden, Keaton, Reagan, Kieran, Riley, Lucas and Otto, step-father Dale Anderson and brother John Kennedy. He is preceded in death by his father Charles Edwin Kennedy, mother Dolores Anderson and brother Timothy Anderson. 

Always a creative soul, Chuck wrote poetry and songs. In 1977, he published a book entitled, “Reality Ditties”. This is one of our favorites: 

Dandelions

Dandelions

grow old 

In their own way 

their yellow turns to white

and then they 

blow away.

Chuck Kennedy, June 1975

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, July 15th from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Jellybean & Julia’s BBQ in Coon Rapids. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of the BWCA or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Please feel free to share your stories, memories and photos of Chuck.