Elaine Kennedy, 97 of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at the Good Samaritan Society of Le Mars surrounded by her family after a short illness. She truly loved living at her new 'home' for the last seven months and she received amazing care by all staff.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, November 7, 2025 at All Saints Parish – St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will begin at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. There will be a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. followed by a rosary, all on Thursday at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family through www.rexwinkelfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Gertrude Elaine Eckerman was born on May 26, 1928 in Cresco, IA to Henry and Sayde (McKenna) Eckerman. Elaine was one of 11 children and their family lived on a farm near Duncombe, Iowa. She attended a local country school and then attended Fort Dodge High School. She graduated from high school in 1946 and went to continue her education at junior college for one year.

Elaine worked at Sieg-Fort Dodge for a short time and then worked for 10 years at Nesland Dental Laboratory.

In 1956, Elaine was united in marriage to James Kennedy at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spirit Lake, Iowa. They first made their home on a farm in rural Le Mars, Plymouth County and later moved into Le Mars. Elaine then worked at Bartel Floral for years where she developed her love of flowers.

Elaine provided day care services for many families in the community. When her children were grown and out of the house, Elaine opened her home to others, especially college students, in the community who needed a place to stay. Elaine was a caretaker at heart – she was a kind and generous woman who always looked out for those around her.

Elaine was a long-time member of St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars. Her faith was an important part of her life; she enjoyed attending daily Mass and she used her faith to guide her in helping others. She was active in volunteering for funeral dinners, singing in the choir, and cleaning the church. She loved to decorate the church and coordinate flowers for the different holidays and church seasons. She volunteered for the Smorgasbord for over 30 years; she was always in charge of making coffee. She made the best coffee and her secret ingredient was eggs. Elaine was also a great baker, making many sweets and treats for everyone in her life. She loved to host coffee hours and dinner parties for the neighbors. She will be greatly missed.

Elaine is survived by her four children and their families: daughter, Karla (Bill) Anthony of Le Mars and their children: Tina Anthony and her beloved canine, Buster, Jesse (Sara) Anthony and their children, Caleb, Connor, and Carson, and Shauna (Brian) Schultz and their children, Grayson and Kendall; son, Kevin (Julie) Kennedy of Centennial, CO and their children: Jacob (Donielle) Kennedy and their children, Luna, Theo, and Benjamin, Carryn (Berett) Steffen, and Lauren (special friend, David Neitenbach) Kennedy;  son, John (Peggy) Kennedy of Henderson, NV and their children: Theresa (Jason) Roe and their children, Olivia, Harrison, Henry, and Charlotte, Michael (Krisla) Kennedy and their children, James, Will, and Jack, and Colleen Kennedy; and daughter, Sheila Kennedy of Minneapolis, MN; sister, Sara 'Sally' Johnson; many nieces, nephews, and other extended relatives.

Elaine is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Sayde; husband, Jim; infant granddaughter, Victoria Kennedy; three beloved grand-canines: Montana, Willis, and Gonzo; 9 siblings: Vincent Herman (Madeline), Michael Mark (Mary Anne), Helena Majel (Dick), Joseph Henry (Theresa), Martin Cecil (Martha), Raymund Francis (Mary), Harry (Lois), Dolores Arlyne (Mel), and Lawrence Edward (Brenda); brother in law, Dick Johnson; parents in law, Eugene and Lillian Kennedy; and siblings in law: Cecil (Loretta) Kennedy, Eugene (Dorothy) Kennedy, Helen (Stefan) Halaszyn, Mary (Ralph) Myers, and Elaine (John) Tolan.