Byron Ralph Kennedy, 80, of Virginia, MN passed away on Friday, August 27, 2021.

Byron was born to Raymond and Carrie (Ausgaard) Kennedy on November 12, 1940, in Virginia, MN. Byron attended school in Cook. He joined the Army in October of 1958, finished basic training at Fort Carson, CO, and was then stationed in Okinawa. He left the Army with an Honorable discharge in July of 1961. After the Army, Byron worked in a mine and attended mining school in Leadville, CO. After graduating mining school, Byron's job led him to work in Michigan, Nevada, and California. He made his way back to Cripple Creek CO, where he eventually retired from his mining days. Byron made his way back to Minnesota, and he worked for a time at The Y Store in Tower, MN, where he enjoyed working and joking with the customers.

Byron loved "jeeping" in his Ford Bronco and playing poker. He enjoyed motorcycling and traveling. One of his most notable trips was to Costa Rica where he stayed for a month.

Byron was a kindhearted man who was always easygoing. There were always jokes to be had and he would often tease his grandkids a bit. He was the best father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He will be dearly missed.

Byron was preceded in death by his parents: Raymond and Carrie; and his brother David Kennedy.

Byron is survived by his children: Sue (Pat) Setter; Sandy (Rick) Sailer; and Dale (Jane) Kennedy; brother, Gordon (Betty) Kennedy; sister Doris Seline; grandchildren: Nicole Setter, Amber (Ben) Stifter; Chelsie Kennedy; Dustin Kennedy; and Brandon Sailer; and 8 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 3, 2021, at 11:00AM at Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com