Tom Kenna

Thomas Michael Kenna was born at Jamestown Hospital on February 28th, 1960, to William and Delores (Sullivan) Kenna, and the baby brother to Mary Beth and Bill.

Tom attended Washington elementary school and Jamestown Junior and Senior High School, graduating in 1978. He grew up in a neighborhood with many friends who remained close to him his entire life. Following high school he attended Jamestown College, completing a double major in 1983 in Elementary Education and Health/ Physical Education. In 1991 he attained a degree in Special Education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Tom felt himself lucky to play football and hockey for Jamestown High School, then very fortunate to play football for Rollie Greeno at Jamestown College. His nickname ‘Moose’ was given to him as a boy, as he was bigger and able to run right over everyone else. On the football field and ice rink he was a solid and strong opposition to any opponent.

After college, Tom moved to Britton, SD, where he taught 5th grade math and coached wrestling, baseball, and hockey. In 1984 he moved back to Jamestown to be near his father after his mother’s death. Tom first worked in the activities department within the Adolescent Center of the North Dakota State Hospital, then in the activities department at Anne Carlsen Center, where soon he had his own classroom of high school age students. Tom participated on several ACC committees including Transportation and the Annual Golf Tournament, and was instrumental in developing and maintaining the recycling program. His students loved him and he had many strong bonds with fellow staff. Tom’s 30 years of teaching at ACC was celebrated during his retirement recognition this May.

During those first years of teaching, Tom met another new teacher at ACC, who grew to be the love of his life- and certainly he was hers. Tom wed Mary Lewis on December 19, 1992, and they were blessed with two fine sons, Cody and Seth. Tom was a devoted dad and supported his boys’ participation in many activities. He coached midget football and was a vocal sideline coach for wrestling, football, basketball, baseball, cross-country and swimming meets. He attended orchestra and choir concerts, art center and speech events, Bible camp drop-offs and pick-ups. Tom’s greatest love was watching his boys grow into strong and loving young men.

Tom had a playful humor and a quick wit. Although fiercely competitive, his strong, patient, and unshakeable presence was a loving reassurance and comfort to those who knew him. Tom and Mary were foster parents for several years, and the children and youth who lived with them especially knew his gift to make everyone feel safe and secure.

Tom was an avid golfer, and over the years played too many tournaments to mention here. He was a prior member of Jamestown Country Club and current member of Hillcrest golf course, where he served on the Men’s Association board as tournament chairman. He and his brother Bill shared a passion for the game. Golf provided an avenue for Tom to enjoy his friends, which he did immensely. The response to the benefit tournament, given in his honor this May, was a testament to how many people –golfers and non-golfers alike- appreciated Moose. And when Tom found a club he liked, he kept it forever- certainly an analogy for his other life commitments.

Tom was a founding and continuing member of New Hope Free Lutheran Church, Jamestown. He served as head usher, often with his competent-beyond her years- assistant Jayden helping with greetings and offering. Tom faithfully brought one of his students to worship every Sunday. Worshiping together with Jonas as an extended family was very important, and having to miss this time because of declining health made him sad. Tom’s faith and his very personal relationship with Jesus deepened over this past year. He attested his strength to God’s love for him and his family.

Thomas Michael Kenna died in his home, with his wife and sons with him, at 2:33 a.m. on June 16th, 2016. He left this world peacefully. He knew how much he was loved.

He is survived by his wife Mary; two sons, Cody and Seth; a sister, Beth (Keith) Liudahl of Kensal, ND; a brother, Bill (Cindy) Kenna of Phoenix, AZ; nieces, Sarah (Jarvis) Kramer of Menoken, ND, Stacy Liudahl of Yankton, SD, and Kelsey Kenna of Phoenix, AZ; nephews, Ryan Liudahl of Dickinson, ND, and Cody Kenna of Phoenix, AZ, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; aunt, Marcy Kenna and other aunts and uncles.

Tom asked that memorials be directed to Anne Carlsen Center, JRMC Hospice, or New Hope Free Lutheran Church.

Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 20, 2016 at Temple Baptist Church, Jamestown, with Pastor Randy Jaspers substituting for Pastor Steve Berntson, who is currently out of the country.

Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 19, 2016 at Temple Baptist Church.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, June 19, 2016 at Temple Baptist Church.

Interment: Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown, North Dakota.

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