Carol J. Kennedy

Carol Jean (Malstrom) Kennedy, age 93, passed away on September 7, 2024, in Dilworth, MN. Carol was born on August 7, 1931, in Fargo, N.D. to David and Eliza (Miller) Malstrom. Carol was a cherished member of her community and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother of a large, loving family.

Carol graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1949 and pursued further education at Saint Olaf College. Her early career was marked by her musical talent, performing with The Harmonettes, a female vocal quartet. Carol’s professional life was deeply intertwined with her personal life, as she met her first husband, George Danielson, while pursuing her vocal career. They married in 1952 and together had two sons, Jeff and Scott. Carol spent many years as a bookkeeper for various businesses in the Fargo/Moorhead area, including the Jackson Co., KFME Television, Silverline Boats, and The Fargo Forum.

In 1972, Carol married Robert Kennedy in Moorhead, welcoming six stepsons into her family. She continued her career as a bookkeeper, working alongside her husband until their retirement in 2015. Throughout her life, Carol was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN.  

Carol was known for her kindness and generosity, traits that extended into her hobbies. She was an active member of the Swedish Heritage Society and dedicated significant time to genealogical research, tracing her family's roots and preserving their history.

After Robert’s passing, Carol’s last years were spent at Serenity Assisted Living, Dilworth, MN. She was a valued part of the Serenity Family and was always treated with respect and kindness. Carol loved the planned social, spiritual, educational and recreational activities.

Carol is survived by her loving family, including her sons, Jeff Danielson of Lake Mills, WI, and Scott (Miriam) Danielson of Fargo, ND; stepsons Bob of Eugene, OR, Ronald (Melissa) of Fosston, MN, Rick (Kathy) of Detroit Lakes, MN, Keith (Juanita) of Moorhead, MN, and Kurt of Hawley, MN; 13 grand-children; Amy, Derek, Dillon, Naomi, and Rachel, Marielle, Jared, Seth, Alicia, Amanda, Kaitlyn, Austin, Kendra, and six great-grandchildren., Malaina and Mason, Lexi, Zayden, Jasper, Jasmin and Sutter.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert,stepson David Kennedy, three grandchildren, Bryce, Shannon and Jacob Kennedy, and her siblings Florence, Raymond, Adeline and Lloyd.  

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Serenity Assisted Living in Dilworth, MN. Her legacy of love, dedication, and service to her community will be remembered by all who knew her. 

A public visitation will be held on Thursday, September 12, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM., with prayer service at 6:45 PM., at Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead. The funeral will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 13, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead. 

The service can be viewed live stream on Wright Funeral Home website. 

Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.