Marlee Marie Kenney, age 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 2, 2023, at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, MN. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls with burial at a later date in the St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery in Redwood Falls. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls. Arrangements are with Nelson-Hillestad Funeral and Cremation Service of Redwood Falls.
Marlee was born January 19, 1937 in Luverne, MN to Leo and Laura Appel Kennedy. She graduated from Luverne High School in 1955. She worked for Northwestern Bell in Luverne and later transferred to the district office in Redwood Falls in 1958, where she met her future husband, Bob Kenney. They married on September 3, 1960, at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Luverne. Marlee and Bob made their home in Redwood Falls, where they raised their four children: Patti, Julie, Susan, and Paul. She was a devoted mother and wife. Marlee owned and operated the Sears Catalog Store until its closing in 1993. Marlee had many interests. She was an active member of St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, a member of numerous card clubs, and an avid golfer and bowler. She enjoyed going to plays and musicals. She also enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and many friends.
Marlee is survived by her children, Patti (Shawn) Chatta of Des Plaines, IL, Julie (Brian) Seedorf of Savage, MN, Susan (Corey) Bonnema of Victoria, MN and Paul (Roxanne) Kenney of Fulda, MN; Grandchildren, Amber, Sarah Chatta, Jack, Griffin Seedorf and Taylor, Allison Kenney. Marlee is preceded in death by her husband, Bob, parents, Leo and Laura Appel Kennedy, sister, JoAnn and brother-in-law, William Fay.