Dale Lawrence Kenney

KENNEY, Dale Lawrence - age 87, of Swartz Creek, died January 29, 2024. Some heroes wear capes, some wear masks, but ours wore many hospital gowns, compression socks, Sparty shirts, our school colors, and an infinite smile.  He was the loudest voice in the stands, cheering on all his children and grandchildren from his reserved front row seat. He was our biggest fan. 

Today heaven gained our hero.  Dale Lawrence Kenney, 87, joined his high school sweetheart Liz in heaven, they were married 62 years until she passed in 2019.  Their love story was a New Years Eve Blind Date that went right.  Dale was born on December 12, 1936, on a cold winter’s night to Lester “Lefty” and Florence (Shack) Kenney.  He was their only child and the pride of their lives. He graduated from Flint Central HS in 1955 where he played Football and ran Cross Country. He married Alice Elizabeth “Liz” Anderson on August 11, 1956.  Dale attended Flint Junior College and GMI.  His work career started with Standard Oil and then he opened Kenney’s Olympic Standard where he was known to many for his integrity, kindness, and strong work ethic. He retired from Marathon Flint Oil after a career in sales and marketing.  He was active in his young married life playing Flint League Basketball, Blooper-Ball, and Volleyball, with Liz and the kids cheering him on in the stands.  He was an avid Bowler in many leagues and loved to hit the Golf links especially with his boys.  He had the rare accomplishment of hitting a Hole in One at Briar Ridge Golf Club in Montrose. 

As parents their FAITH became the cornerstone of their family.  They didn’t just attend church, they made it a part of their everyday lives.  Dale served his church communities of Holy Redeemer, St. Roberts, St. Lukes, St. John Vianney and finally Dale settled at St. Mark.  He was a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Parish Council Member, served as Men’s Club President, K of C, a Board Member at St. Luke’s New Life Center, Street Ministry, and lead many Grief Support Groups. He had a true servant’s heart and outside of church he served as a board member at the Flushing Senior Center, was involved with World Wide Marriage Encounter Leadership with Liz, coached his sons in Little League, was a leader in Indian Guides, and was a Big Brother in Genesee County to his little brother Joe “Joey” Rizk.   In his later years he would frequent different restaurants in the area with his “Geezer Gatherings.” He loved Dom’s Diner and Hill Rd Grill, and they loved him.  The waitresses he charmed are too many to count. 

As much as he loved being involved, his greatest treasure and legacy is his FAMILY.  He was the BEST Husband, Dad, Papa, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa and Uncle "Dale"..  He was kind, patient, sort of funny with his corny jokes, and always gave the best hugs.  His advice and wisdom were a beacon in his children and grandchildren’s lives.  Together with Liz they built a family of unwavering love, faith, and togetherness.  Missing him is an understatement but the memories of our hero will never be lost.  Heaven is lucky to have him and so were we. 

His final thoughts were about his excitement to see his sweetheart Liz and he couldn’t believe that soon he would see Jesus face to face. 

His legacy continues through his family, his children, Sheri (Richard), Jeff (Janet), David (Gina), Ronnie, Jimmy (Anna), his grandchildren, Jason (Rockelle), Thaddeus (Laura), Katie (Mike), Kory, Megan (Jake), Emma, Luke, Aubrey, Isabella, JJ, Jack, Jacob, David, Nomsa, his great-grandchildren, Zoey, Atarah, Jackson, June, and Hudson.  “Enjoy.”

Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 4, 2024, 5-7pm with a Vigil Prayer Service at 7pm, at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 7296 Gale Rd. Grand Blanc, MI. Mass of Resurrection will take place on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 11:30am at St. Mark with visitation 1 hour prior.  Gifts in Dale’s memory can be made to St. Luke’s New Life Center in Flint, MI.  Envelopes will be available at the church. (https://www.stlukenewlife.com/). 

Arrangements by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI 48473. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.