Thomas W Kenney
November 16, 1949 - May 04, 2017
Obituary
MADISON-Thomas William Kenney, age 67, died, on Thursday, May 4, 2017, after a brave fight with cancer, with his loving family by his side. He was born on Nov. 16, 1949 in Elkhorn, Wis. Tom was an adventurer, a learner and a constant global traveler. His love and commitment to the Peace Corp connected him with people around the world. Tom was a registered RN and over time his work in animal husbandry and research led him to a vibrant and successful career at the University Of Wisconsin Madison, Medical School as the director of Animal Research; a position he loved and was exceptional at. Tom is survived by and will be deeply missed by his loving partner and special friend, Julie Alder Supernaw; his son, Vincent Kenney and wife Tiffany of Madison; daughter Julia Teeters and husband, Mark and granddaughter, Ava of Columbia Falls, Mont.; son Bill Kenney of New Orleans, La.; four siblings, Michael Kenney, Susan Kenney, Mary Jean Keane, and John Kenney, as well their loving families, in-laws, uncle and aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Mary Theresa Kenney. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Burial will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Delavan at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Retired Peace Corp Volunteers of Wisconsin, PO Box 1012 Madison, Wis. 53701. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the doctors and staff at St Mary's hospital, the Mayo Clinic and Agrace Hospice for their loving care and support during this difficult time. Ever the comedian; Tom's preferred obituary would have read... Now, when I die, don’t think I'm a nut, don’t want no fancy funeral, just one like ole king Tut. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Anissa Rusch
Other •
It was always such a pleasure to be around Tom. I will never forget watching fireworks in his backyard. He was such a welcoming presence. When he showed me all of his pictures in his basement of his children and their accomplishments, his eyes just lit up. I always told him that I wished he was my dad. He let me store my things in his garage when I moved and was one of the best men I have ever known. I will miss him forever. Thanks Tom, for being such a great friend to my mom and such a great friend to me. I love you!
Anissa Rusch (daughter of Lynn Herman)
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Don Siebert
Other •
Tom was one of the friendliest people I have ever met. It didn't matter what you did or who you were Tom had a way about him that made you feel important and comfortable. Heaven's getting a good one.
RIP Tom
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Larry Bray
Other •
I spent the last few days contacting and commiserating with many of our common friends from the Lake Lawn Stables days. Everyone is, of course, devastated. But conversations quickly turned to great stories about Tom and his innate ability to connect with people in a sincere and profound way.
Cathy and I were privileged to interact with Tom and Marita during early marriage days, raising young families and first houses. Tom and I shared an interest in and participated with our respective rescue squads. I was also blessed to get to know his parents, siblings and many of his friends who became mine as well.
We spent a lot of time catching up on our kids and their lives during our last conversation. Tom was very proud of his children. And I am so glad that Tom found Julie and her family. I know they meant a lot to him as well.
Tom and I had periods of years when we did not communicate directly, but he was one of those friends who you could sit down with and experience an immediate reconnection. I will cherish those memories.
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Meghan Hessler
Other •
My sympathies to Julie and all his family. He spoke of you all often and lovingly, even when at work.
Meghan Hessler; UW Madison-SPMH.