Matthew Kennedy

Dates

Obituary

Matthew Kennedy, 43, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 11:30 AM Saturday, February 7, at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Mitchell. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

A livestream of Matt's funeral service can be viewed at: https://uccmitchell.org/wp/services/

Matthew James Kennedy was born on September 1, 1982, in Bismarck, North Dakota to Mark and Judy (Baron) Kennedy. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Indiana near Fort Wayne. While living in Indiana, the family grew with the birth of his sisters, Elizabeth (Liz) and Sarah. The family moved back to Bismarck, ND in 1998 where he graduated from Shiloh Christian School. While in high school he enjoyed playing basketball and cross-country running helping to bring his team to the state competition. Matt enjoyed spending time hunting and playing golf with his grandfather, Roger Kennedy. All through high school, Matt had three best friends that he remained friends with into adulthood. The group of four would gather in Matt’s basement to play Dungeons & Dragons with Matt’s dad acting as the Game Master. He brought this love of gaming everywhere he went and began teaching the game to his children.

Matthew proudly served in the United States Navy for nine years as a Nuclear Electrician, obtaining the rank of Electricians Mate 1st class Petty Officer, he also received numerous Medals of service a role that reflected both his sharp intellect and strong sense of duty. During his Navy career, he was stationed on submarines out of Bremerton WA and San Diego CA. After his military service, he returned to Bismarck, where he worked for a variety of local and regional businesses before entering the oil fields with H&P. He later continued his technical career with Diebold Nixdorf.

In July of 2018, Matt responded to a friend request from Kayla (Boysen) and the first thing she asked was if she knew him. This struck up a Facebook conversation that last for two months before they were to meet in person and start dating. Before Matt met Kayla, his family was convinced he would remain a bachelor for life. On May 30, 2020, Matthew married the love of his life, Kayla. Kayla brought a son, Charlie, to the union, and in 2021, the family of three welcomed Evelyn. Together, the family made their home in Mitchell, South Dakota, where Matthew was employed by Graphic Packaging International and built a life centered on family, friendship, and community. Matthew was deeply involved in the Society for Creative Anachronisms, where he was known as a skilled armorer, heavy fighter, and generous patron of the arts. He had a profound love for his friends and the chosen family he gathered throughout his life, valuing loyalty, creativity, and shared passions above all else.

He is survived by his wife, Kayla (Boysen) Kennedy; his children, Charles and Evelyn Kennedy; mother, Judy (Baron) Kennedy; sister, Elizabeth Kennedy; grandmother, Donna Kennedy; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mark Kennedy, his sister, Sarah Kennedy, and many other extended family members.

Matthew will be remembered for his intelligence, craftsmanship, fierce loyalty, and the deep love he held for his family and friends. His presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.

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