Mardell Lona Kennedy

Kennedy, Mardell Lona Age 88, of Chanhassen, born on February 13, 1934, to Edwin and Emilie (Gilsrud) Evenson, passed away September 8, 2022. Mardell was the eleventh of twelve siblings raised on the family farm south of Benson, MN in Swenoda Township. After attending country school, Mardell graduated from Benson High School in 1952. In a time when women of her generation were choosing to marry, Mardell and her next oldest sister, LaVina, left the comfort of Benson and ventured out to the Twin Cities in search of their next adventure. With help from extended family, they settled in a rooming house on Pillsbury Avenue in Minneapolis and found rewarding careers. Mardell started as a teller at Lincoln Office, Northwestern National Bank on 8th and Hennepin in Minneapolis. During that time, she caught the eye of a young Naval officer, Keith Kennedy. They fell in love and married in 1962. Keith left the military, and they moved to Fargo, ND, where Keith worked for Texaco. After returning to the Twin Cities, Keith & Mardell raised two daughters, Charlotte and Christina. Mardell returned to the work force, and soon was Vice President of Douglas Kennedy Company, a specialty advertising firm, working with her husband to provide an amazing life for their girls. Mardell loved to travel, and had been all over the world in her adventures with Keith. In her later years, she especially loved Sanibel Island, Florida. She also enjoyed reading, especially the daily newspaper. She was an avid Minnesota sports fan, particularly the Twins, and was quick to offer coaching advice when teams weren't performing as expected. Mardell also enjoyed knitting and embroidery, but most of all, she loved doting on her three grandchildren. Neill, Emilie and Claydon were the apples of her eye. She loved them unconditionally. She is preceded in death by her husband, Keith; her parents, siblings, Viola (Melvin) Norby, Orel (Virginia) Evenson, Amy (Louis) Stay, Lorando, Floyd (Marjorie) Evenson, Leverne, Verna (Luverne) Myhre, Violet (Bud) Jerve, Raynold (Carol) Evenson and Dean Evenson. She will be deeply missed by her sister, LaVina; her daughters, Charlotte (Timothy) Haas and Christina (Frank) Dunn; grandchildren, Neill Haas, Emilie and Claydon Dunn; sister-in-law, Shirley Even- son; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 23 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church (301 Cty. Rd. 19, Excelsior) at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior. Memorials preferred to Shriners Hospital for Children or donor's choice. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Washburn-McReavy.com Eden Prairie Chapel 952-975-0400

Tributes

Mardell Lona Kennedy

February 13, 1934 - September 8, 2022

Tributes

Mardell Lona Kennedy

February 13, 1934 - September 8, 2022

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