Joseph Loras Kenneally

On October 10, 2026, as the sun rose over Des Moines, on a beautiful, clear blue October morning, Joseph Loras Kenneally passed into eternal life at the age of 81, right on time for his 7:24 a.m. tee time with Jesus. Knowing Joe, he was undoubtedly delighted to find his father waiting for him on the first tee.

It was a fitting departure for a man who had made an equally memorable entrance 81 years earlier.

Joe was born on February 22, 1945, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Sarah C. Sarcone Kenneally and Joseph Loras Kenneally, arriving in the middle of a Minnesota blizzard. He shared his birthday with his beloved maternal grandmother, Carmella “Minnie” Bova Sarcone, a special bond they enjoyed throughout her life.

Joe attended Dowling High School and Loras College, playing baseball at both. A talented athlete, he was especially known for his hitting. Greg Gumbel, who played baseball alongside Joe at Loras College before becoming a legendary sports broadcaster, once recalled Joe hitting one of the longest and most beautiful home runs he had ever seen in college baseball (yes, a true story!). Family legend has it that the ball nearly cleared the Mississippi River on its way to Chicago.

Joe enlisted in the United States Navy in 1967, serving in Alaska, the Mekong Delta of Vietnam, and aboard the USS Lawrence (DDG-4). He later served in the Navy Reserve and the Iowa Air National Guard’s 132nd Tactical Fighter Wing, completing ten years of honorable service to his country and the State of Iowa in 1977.

On April 22, 1972, Joe married the love of his life, Joan Cecelia Vanni, beginning 54 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and never a dull moment. They honeymooned in the Ozarks wearing matching golf sweaters, a wedding gift from Joe’s cousin, Father Jack Ryan. Clearly, they had a wonderful time, as exactly nine months later, their first child, Katie, arrived, followed in quick succession by Joey and Nick—almost Irish triplets!

Joe only had eyes for Joan, with one notable exception. While Grumpier Old Men was being filmed in Minnesota, Jack Lemmon introduced him to Sophia Loren. Never one to miss an opportunity, Joe struck up a conversation in Italian and received a kiss on the cheek. It became a favorite family story, though Joan never lost her place as the leading lady in Joe’s life.

A larger-than-life father and a man of deep faith, Joe taught his children to stay close to God, work hard, think for themselves, love their family, and embrace the world around them. His faith was a steady presence in his life and one of the greatest gifts he passed on to his children. He was fiercely protective, endlessly entertaining, and deeply devoted to his family.

Golf was one of Joe’s great passions. The son of a professional golfer and an accomplished player himself, he loved the game, the friendships it brought, and the connection it gave him to his father. He passed that love along to his children. Joe was also a Master Gardener who took great pride in his gardens and appreciated the beauty of the natural world.

Joe was a man of great strength, character, humor, and heart. A devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend, he was wonderfully stubborn, endlessly curious, incredibly funny, and generous to a fault. He knew who he was, made no apologies for it, and we loved him all the more for it.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Joan; his children, Katie McLenaghan (Jason), Joey Kenneally, and Nick Kenneally (Holly Rezaie); his sister, Mary Ann McCoy; his in-laws; and a large and loving extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Sarah Kenneally, and his sister, Carmella Zenti.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to the Adoration Chapel at St. Augustin Catholic Church using the following link: https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/staugustin.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Iles Dunn’s Chapel, 2121 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. A rosary and prayer service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at:

St. Augustin Catholic Church
545 42nd Street
Des Moines, IA 50312

Burial will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Drive, Adel, Iowa. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Navy and the American Legion Post #403.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Dunn’s Chapel.