Larry Dean Kennaley

Today we remember and give thanks for the life of Larry D. Kennaley, United States Navy (Ret.), who passed away on March 11, 2026, at the age of 89. Larry was born on September 24, 1936, in Iowa City, Iowa, to John Patrick Kennaley and Henrietta Voss. 

He spent his early childhood in Ida Grove, Iowa, until the age of eight, when he and his widowed mother moved to Danbury, Iowa. It was there that Larry grew up and graduated from high school. After graduation, Larry answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. What began as service became a lifelong career. 

As a weather forecaster in the Navy, Larry served during a remarkable time in American history. He was assigned to the renowned VW-4 Hurricane Hunters in Jacksonville, Florida, served during the Cuban Missile Crisis in Key West, and participated in the Mediterranean recovery operations of the deep-sea submersible Alvin. He also served aboard the Apollo 9 recovery ship, USS Guadalcanal and took part in a high-altitude balloon project in New Jersey. Through these assignments, Larry’s work supported both military missions and scientific exploration. 

Beyond his years of service, Larry was a man of deep faith and quiet dedication. He served the Church as a lay Eucharistic minister and a CCD teacher, sharing both his time and his faith with others. On February 7, 1959, Larry married Sheila Treiber of Danbury, Iowa, in Jacksonville, Florida. Their marriage was one of enduring commitment and partnership. Following his retirement from the United States Navy, Larry continued working for many years with Nikon, bringing the same reliability and dedication to his second career. 

Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Sheila; his daughter, Kristen Schwinkendorf; and his son, Larry II. He is also lovingly remembered by his five grandchildren: Laura Teague, Jennifer Schwinkendorf, Zachary Tetreault, Cameron Kennaley, and Austin Kennaley, and by his great-grandson, Clay Kennaley. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and by two daughters, Renee Kennaley and Teresa Tetreault. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waxahachie, Texas, at 11:00 am Friday, April 17, 2026 with interment to follow at a later date in Danbury, Iowa. 

Today we remember Larry with gratitude — for his service to his country, for his faith, and for the love he shared with his family and those who knew him. May he rest in peace.