LaVerne (Noonan) Kennedy

In Loving Memory of LaVerne (Noonan) Kennedy

LaVerne (Noonan) Kennedy, 91, of Walker, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at 7:15 PM on February 28, 2026. She drew her final breath in the town she called home for decades, surrounded by the family that was her greatest pride and joy.

Born in Wilkinson Township to William and Jeanette (Kallstrom) Noonan, LaVerne was a true daughter of Cass County. Growing up in the rural Wilkinson community as one of eleven children, she developed a fierce, iron-willed determination that defined her for ninety-one years. As a young woman, she began working on the staff at Forest View Resort on Leech Lake. It was there that she met Allen Kennedy, a meeting that would blossom into a lifelong partnership and a shared commitment to the Walker community.

LaVerne was a dedicated and compassionate professional, serving for many years as the Recreational Coordinator at Ah-Gwah-Ching. A force to be reckoned with, she was known for her unwavering resolve and was famously ferocious in protecting her children. Her presence was so commanding that local politicians were known to suddenly find pressing business elsewhere at the mere sight of her walking sternly toward them.

Beyond her formidable public presence, LaVerne had a zest for life and a creative spirit; she was an avid crafter and a devoted member of the Red Hatters, where she shared many laughs and adventures. She loved to travel, exploring new places with the same fearlessness she brought to every part of her life. Whether she was advocating for her family, traveling, or creating, LaVerne was the undisputed anchor of her home—a woman of immense strength who found her greatest fulfillment in her roles as a mother, sister, and friend.

She is survived by her six children: Angie (Randy) LeKander, Mona (Doug) Glassmann, Susan (Steve) Eaker, Jackie (Jay) Bullinger, Lloyd (Tracy) Kennedy, and Alexander (Denise) Kennedy. She is also survived by her brother, Paul Noonan. LaVerne leaves behind a vast and loving legacy including 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins—all of whom carry a piece of her formidable spirit forward.

LaVerne was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Allen; her parents; and her siblings: Douglas, Lillian, Delores, George, Dennis, Darlene, JoAnne, John, and Wilma.

A Celebration of Life for LaVerne will be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Hope Lutheran Church, Walker MN, with a visitation 1 hour before the service. Pastor Dave Smith will Officiate. Inurnment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Walker, MN.

LaVerne’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home, Walker, Minnesota. Online Condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeacefh@yahoo.com

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