Carolyn J. Kennedy

Carolyn J. Kennedy, age 73, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at her home, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, September 13, 2021, at Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel. Rev. Ken Nelson will officiate. The service will be Live-Streamed via our website and our Facebook Live.

Visitation will be at our chapel on Monday, prior to the service, from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Carolyn was born on October 2, 1947, in Muskegon, MI, to Stanley and Mildred (Olson) Surma. After graduating from Waubay High School, she worked at Security Bank, Bain's Cafe, and the Courthouse in Webster, SD. On December 30, 1972, Carolyn was united in marriage to Jack Kennedy. The couple lived in various places throughout South Dakota before putting down their roots in South Shore. There they would stay to raise their family. Carolyn was employed by Midcom/OEM for over twenty years as a test operator and line supervisor. In their later years after retirement, they relocated to Watertown, SD.

Carolyn was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. She most enjoyed spending time with her family. In her early years, she took pleasure in numerous activities including hunting, fishing, trapshooting, bowling, shooting pool, gardening and canning. She currently loved making homemade lefse and donuts and baking cookies with her grandkids. If not found staying busy in the kitchen, she was usually covered in a pile of yarn crocheting a beautiful afghan. The local Perkins restaurant was a favorite meeting place for Carolyn and her family and friends where she was fond of their blueberry pancakes.

Above all, Carolyn was adored by all she met! Her infectious smile and sweet, kind heart radiated Joy to everyone! She is definitely the strongest little lady we know and we will cherish all the memories we have made!

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Jack, of Watertown, SD; her children: Donn Kennedy of South Shore, SD, Jodi (Doug) LeBlanc and Kym (Neil) Thompson, of Watertown, SD; Patrick Kennedy of Florence, SD, and Todd (Annette) Kennedy of Austin, TX; nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren; her brothers, Stuart (DeeAnn) Surma of Java, SD and Jon (Cindy) Surma of Rapid City, SD; and three sisters: Mary Barse of Sioux Falls, SD, Gayle (Brian) Wordes of Sacred Heart, MN, and Sandy (Deena) Surma of Katy, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her two brothers, Alan and Steven; and her first husband, Ron Reich.

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