Brenda K. Kennedy

Brenda Kristine Kennedy, 49 years old, was born August 29, 1966. She has 3 children Shawn Allen, Jacob Scott and Michele Kristine Kohlscheen. She has 2 grandchildren, Matthew James Kohlscheen, 9 and Nora Renee Kohlscheen, 1. She married Terry Kennedy in March of 2005 and he has been her husband, confidant and care giver through the years. Her love for Terry was the agape kind of love, unconditional in every circumstance. She played Volleyball and played Clarinet and Saxophone in the Jazz Band at Kirn Junior High. She wanted to be in marching band in high school at Abraham Lincoln but she had pulled her ankle ligaments and was unable to participate. She was in the Union Pacific Drum and Bugle Corps and a Candy Striper at Jennie Edmondson Hospital. She worked at A & W and Lake Shore Country Club while in high school and sang in the Celebration of Life Choir. After high school she worked for CBSB Bank in Council Bluffs. Brenda was a soccer and T-ball coach when her children were small. She loved her puppies, and was heartbroken when each one passed, Radar, Roscoe, Max and Chloe. Emmy is left to keep Terry on his toes. Brenda was an achiever that showed in her academic endeavors. She had a bright, intellectual mind and enjoyed studying and learning. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1985, Council Bluffs. She earned her Associate of Arts degree in General Studies, graduating May 1, 1990 and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Sign Language graduating May 1, 1992 from Iowa Western Community College. Brenda worked as an Interpreter for the Deaf at Bellevue East High School. She went on to be accepted to Creighton University, the first time she applied, into the Pharmacy and Allied Health Program to earn her Doctorate in Pharmacy. She had dreams of getting her Doctorate and moving to Seattle, Washington. She entered Creighton in the Fall of 1995. She did very well academically but because of health issues she was forced to take several leave of absences and eventually leave college after 2 ½ years of study. Brenda certainly had many roadblocks and disappointments in her life but she persevered and pushed onward. She suffered much physical and emotional pain through the years, and when life crumbled all around her, she picked herself up and moved on looking for that rainbow. All through this, her most important concern was her children and their welfare. She loved each of them dearly to the end. About a year and a half ago, Brenda suffered a death experience. She spoke of it often to her mom. She was brought back after her heart stopped. During that experience, she saw the light and felt such peace. She knew she was not going to perish but have everlasting life when she was called home. So rejoice, and again, rejoice as she is dancing in heaven, catching up with her Grandma Morris and her Mom & Pops, Elsie and Iman. We will miss her but be not mourning or grieving too long as she is free from pain and at peace in her everlasting home. We love you, Brenda. Memorial service is 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. The family will direct memorials.