Fr. Bernard Kennedy, OFM, 66, passes away in Wisconsin

The Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe is sad to share that Fr. Bernard Kennedy, OFM, 66, of Burlington, Wisconsin, died on Oct. 17, 2026, after a brief illness.

Fr. Bernard loved being a Franciscan, and it showed. Despite health challenges from a childhood diagnosis of diabetes, he found joy in simple moments, and he shared that joy. He helped others discover their calling and find a life of fulfillment. He is remembered for his generous heart and devotion to teaching and ministering to high school students, forming young friars and instructing diaconal candidates for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Holy Ghost Church, 2921 Central Avenue, Dubuque, Iowa, 52001. Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 11 a.m., and burial at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Born on May 6, 1960, in Dubuque, to Bernard, Sr. and Delaine (née Freiburger) Kennedy, Fr. Bernard was the only son in a family of nine children. His devout parents raised him in the Catholic faith, and he received both baptism and confirmation at Holy Ghost Parish in Dubuque.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Loras College in Dubuque and later completed a Master of Divinity at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, followed by a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois.

He professed first vows with the Order of Friars Minor on Aug. 14, 1984, and solemn vows on Aug. 12, 1987. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 1988.

Following ordination, Fr. Bernard taught English, theology and religious studies for 15 years at four different high schools: St. Mary’s in Burlington, Wisconsin; Archbishop Ryan in Philadelphia; Notre Dame in Cicero, Illinois; and Holy Cross/Guerin College Prep in River Grove, Illinois, where he oversaw the theology department and was campus minister.

Early in his ministry, he also served as assistant director of vocations for the Tau Fraternity in St. Francis, Wisconsin, and associate pastor at Assumption Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Pulaski, Wisconsin.

In 1995, at the age of 35, Fr. Bernard was featured in a newspaper article for undergoing a kidney transplant. The donor was his sister, Susan, who worked as a nurse at a dialysis clinic in Dubuque. The procedure was a success, and he was more than grateful to his sister for her selfless act of charity. “I think it’s a miracle,” said Fr. Bernard after the surgery, noting how much better he felt. In 2007, Fr. Bernard received a second kidney donation from his sister Peggy.

In 2005, his life took a new direction when his focus shifted to helping men discerning and witnessing the Franciscan life. He served at the St. Joseph Interprovincial Friary as director of the post-novitiate formation program (2005 to 2014), secretary of formation and studies (2005 to 2011), director of ongoing formation (2005 to 2014), director of priestly studies (2005 to 2014) and Provincial Councilor (2005 to 2011) for the legacy Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Province.

He also guided men pursuing a call to the diaconate within the Archdiocese of Chicago. Starting in the early 2000s, he taught pastoral theology to diaconal candidates, and he served as director of the Permanent Diaconate program from 2017 to 2020.

Seeking to foster greater understanding between religious groups, he served on the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic/Jewish Relations Committee and received a scholar grant from the Holocaust Foundation of Illinois.

Always wanting to go wherever he was needed, Fr. Bernard also served as chaplain to the Holy Cross Brothers (1995 to 2003) and the Felician Sisters starting in 2017.

From his early years in education through his years forming and caring for his brother friars, Fr. Bernard consistently pursued opportunities to serve others through teaching, pastoral ministry and Franciscan religious life. His extensive service across educational, pastoral and administrative roles reflects strong leadership, intellectual dedication, humility and a steadfast commitment to the Franciscan values of service, community and spiritual growth. His achievements and long record of trusted leadership demonstrate a life marked by generosity, integrity and faithful service to the Church.

Along with his devotion to the Franciscans, Fr. Bernard was an avid gardener. Wherever he lived, Fr. Bernard planted flowers and vegetables, enjoying the work of the harvest.

Fr. Bernard is survived by his friar brothers of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe and his siblings, Ann (Miles) Kiley of Benton, Wisconsin, Susan (Steve) Wagner of Dubuque, Sr. Patricia Kennedy, OSB of St. Joseph’s, Minnesota, Nona (David) Cooper of Dubuque, Kay (Bill) Beaster of Dubuque, Gwen (Don) Hesselman of Dubuque, Peggy (Randy) Dolson of Gunnison, Colorado, and Kerri (Bill) Feldhaus of Hiawatha, Iowa. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.