Bruce M. Kennedy, 84, passed away surrounded by friends and family, including all four of his children, on December 4, 2025, in Lincoln, Nebraska, after a short illness. He is now reunited with his wife in Heaven.

Bruce was born on January 13, 1941, in Lincoln, and lived his whole life in Lancaster County. He was the eldest of three children of John (Jack) and Cleo (Jones) Kennedy. Bruce loved to explore as a child, walking all around the city with his friends. Then he learned to drive, and a lifelong love of classic cars was born. A 1959 graduate of Lincoln Southeast High School, Bruce had an early marriage that resulted in the birth of his son, Michael. He married Marjorie Kennedy of Lincoln in November 1965; they were preparing to celebrate their 56th anniversary when she passed in 2021. Bruce adopted Joel when he and Marge married, and Kelly and Ronald were born into the marriage.

Bruce worked as a delivery driver for several years, eventually becoming a Facilities Supervisor at University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Bruce and Marge moved to their "place" south of Malcolm in 1972 and, since then, it has become a place for friends and family to gather. Generations of children came out to The Kennedy's for horseback riding, cookouts, and fireworks, and their parents came for good conversation and friendship.

For almost 60 years, Bruce dedicated his time and energy to various conservation organizations, serving several times in leadership roles along with Marge for Wachiska Audubon, The Nebraska Audubon Council, Friends of the Niobrara and the Nebraska Wildlife Federation, among others. He was especially interested in Nebraska Rivers and wildlife, and a devoted friend to many in the conservation movement. He received the Howard L. Wiegers Award for Outstanding Wildlife Conservation in 1976. He was elected to the Lower Platte South Natural Resource District Director several times, once serving as Vice Chairman. He testified before state Legislative committees in support of conservation issues many times, always with passion and well-researched data.

He was also active with Marge in many classic car clubs, showing the 1960 El Camino he restored and the 1973 Mustang convertible he bought new and improved. He loved traveling with his family; some of his children's earliest and best memories involve car trips to national parks throughout the country – always by state highway, and never by interstate unless absolutely necessary.

Bruce had many interests, including enjoying Husker football, a love of horses, and the pets and animals he looked after on his acreage.  The Niobrara River was a favorite camping destination and retreat, and Bruce introduced many friends and family members to its untamed beauty.  Bruce fostered a healthy fascination with Christmas lights and took great pride in his place, being lit up every holiday for all to enjoy.  Bruce's favorite holiday was Independence Day, and he could always be counted on for a top-notch 4th of July celebration. He loved the gathering of friends and family for a fun time, cherishing his nuclear family and making many others feel like extended family.  Bruce was about community, and he leaves behind a lasting legacy of love for our natural world and an even greater love for each other.

Bruce is survived by his children: Michael Humann of Firth, NE, Joel Kennedy of Meridian, Idaho, Kelly Ogren of Omaha, and Ronald Kennedy of Waverly, along with their surviving spouses. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, along with his sister Lynn.