Norbert Francis Kenney

Norbert Francis Kenney was born on November 18, 1942 to Norbert “Bill” & Lenore (Igel) Kenney. His family moved from Illinois to Minnesota where Norb graduated from Benilde High School in St. Louis Park, MN. Norb proudly served his country in the United Stated Navy from 1961-1965.His cousin, Mary Alice Igel, introduced him to her roommate, Mary Ellen McGraw of Mankato, MN and Norb found the love of his life. They were married on July 31, 1970 in Minneapolis. Norb and Mary, with their own three children, lived and worked in the Twin Cities area & Sioux Falls, SD for several years. But with Norb’s dream of moving to the Park Rapids/Big Sand Lake area of MN came the purchase of the Dorset House in Dorset, MN. With the support of Mary and the kids, Norb built upon his dream and turned the Dorset House into a pizza & ice cream (restaurant) parlor. Through the years Norb’s dream became not only a business but also the training ground for countless young people who had their first job at the Dorset House. With other business owners and friends, Norb was a part of creating “The Taste of Dorset” which drew visitors and tourists from all over the country and the world to the tiny MN town. No one who passed through the Park Rapids area during those years would ever forget Norb and the Dorset House. Norb and Mary Ellen eventually moved to Hastings, MN where they have lived for the past 14 years. Norb was preceded in death by his parents, Norbert & Lenore Kenney; his parents-in-law, Jim & Florence McGraw of Mankato, MN.Norb is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ellen; children, Patrick (Trudy) of Eagan, MN; Michael (Laura) of Hudson, WI; Megan Kenney Layton (Michael) of Boston, MA. He is also survived by his sisters, Kathleen Kenney & Rosemary Dilworth and their families, as well as numerous brother and sisters in law, nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Norbie. Norb is further survived by his precious grandchildren who were the joy of his life; Grace, John, Kellan, Jack, Nathan & Charlie. Norb’s legacy is this beautiful family who loved him dearly, his many friends through the years and the stories he told and lived of the wonderful adventures of life. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Mass of Christian Burial, officiated by Fr. Cole Kracke, will be held Thursday, April 10 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th St. W., Hastings. Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 9 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wise Family Funeral Home, 400 Spring St., Hastings as well as one hour prior to mass at church. Interment, Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred.