Rev. William J. 'Bill' Kenney

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Kenney, Rev. William "Bill" J. age 93, went home to God on July 11 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bill was a dedicated servant of God and devoted his life to ministry in the Catholic Church. Known for his dry sense of humor, he brought joy to those around him. He was an avid reader and was known as a man of prayer. As a proud Irishman, he embraced his heritage. He considered all people to be members of the Body of Christ. He welcomed all and used his listening skills to discover the depth of a person's story. He helped people recognize their gifts and challenged them to use these gifts in service to the wider community. He was born on April 1, 1930, in Owatonna, MN, to Gerald and Lila (Gleeson) Kenney. Bill attended Cretin High School, Nazareth Hall, and later pursued his higher education at St. Paul Seminary where he received an MDiv and an MA in History. In 1956, he was ordained a priest. Throughout his career, Bill served in several parishes and held various roles. He was the pastor at Presentation Church in Maplewood and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Minneapolis. Additionally, he served as the Priest Personnel Director for the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis. His compassionate nature led him to serve as a chaplain at St. Mary's Hospital in Minneapolis, Faribault State Hospital, Minnesota Braille and Sight Saving School, and Minnesota School for the Deaf in Faribault. In his later years, he dedicated himself to serving as the chaplain for the deaf and hearing impaired in the metro area. He was most proud of this ministry which he did for 50 years. Bill is survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Lila Kenney, brother Jerry, and sister Jean Marantette. Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church 701 Fillmore St NE in Minneapolis on July 21 from 5-8pm, with a Prayer service at 7pm. The Funeral Mass will take place at Lumen Christi Church 2055 Bohland Avenue in St. Paul on July 22 at 10am. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Service will be livestreamed at lumenchristicc.online.church. Bill will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his faith, his sense of humor, and his commitment to serving others. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion and love that will be cherished by all who knew him. Memorials in his name can be made to the Carmen Pampa Fund or the Good Shepherd Sisters. Washburn-McReavy.com Northeast Chapel 612-781-6828

Published on July 16, 2023