On  June 2,   Pastor Dick Kennedy celebrated the 60th anniversary date of his  ordination into the Lutheran ministry. He was ordained at  St. Peter, Minn., at the Gustavus Adolphus Chapel.   

In his years of ministry he has served  Minnesota   congregations in  Mountain Iron, Excelsior, Montevideo, Fergus Falls, Perham and most recently the  Vining Parish. He purchased a lot on East Battle Lake in 1976 and in 2003 he retired to their home built on Chippewa Island.    

Kennedy was instrumental in gathering a group of  local men to  redo and finish a donated home in Vining  that was given to Habitats for Humanity. He has worked with the  Fergus Falls Habitat for   Humanity chapter with similar projects. In winter months, spent  in  Gulf shores  Ala., he  has continued to  volunteer   with  this organization.    

Kennedy has also been an active member of the  East Battle Lake Water Shed Association and  served as the President  for   a two-year term. Kennedy and his wife Mary, enjoy the opportunity to  entertain friends and their  family of five children and grandchildren as they live  a relaxed life on the lake.