Rebecca (Nehr) Kenney (1948-2014)

Rebecca Kenney

          Rebecca (Nehr) Kenney passed away February 19, 2014 peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.  Born October 8, 1948 in Kenosha, Becky was the first child of  P. Donald and Audrey (Keckler) Nehr. Becky attended Southport Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, Tremper High School, UW- Extension, and UW- Oshkosh.  Becky’s lifelong dream was to be a teacher.  She graduated from Carthage College in 1971 and began her teaching career in Kenosha.  Becky taught at Jane Vernon and Roosevelt Elementary Schools and Washington Middle School before retiring from teaching.  Her love of children, reading, writing and music and her boundless creativity lasted throughout her life.

          In 1972, Becky married Theodore Leinenweber of Kenosha.  Their marriage was blessed with three children who have followed their mom’s career path into teaching.  

          Becky’s love of the piano led her to being choir director and organist at Wesley Methodist Church, playing piano at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, directing Kindercor German Children’s Choir, and teaching piano lessons. Becky was a lifetime member of the VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary through which she met her husband of twenty-three years, Ned.  She was a member of Holy Communion Lutheran Church in Racine. 

          Becky will be greatly missed by all who were touched by her beautiful spirit and kindness, especially her husband, Edward “Ned” Kenney of Racine, son Matthew Leinenweber of Kenosha, daughters Mary (Kevin) Skillings and Maggie Leinenweber of Corvallis, OR, mother Audrey (Nehr) Cassiani of Kenosha, sister Valerie (Robert) Conner of Franksville, brother William (Jane Wochos) Nehr of Whitefish Bay, aunt and uncle Kay and Dick Daum of Hemet, CA, and her loving nieces, nephews, great-niece, great-nephews and dear friends.

           Becky was preceded in death by her father Don Nehr, brother Jeffrey Nehr, nephew Daniel Conner, grandparents Dorothea and Lawrence Keckler, Harriet Heller and Peter Nehr.

          A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 1st 2014 in the Kemper Center Chapel at 11:00AM. (6501-3rd Avenue) In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha or the family.

 

         Becky’s family would like to express a specials thanks to Dr. Michael Mullane and all the staff of Aurora Cancer Center, Racine, and to Pam and Marybell of  Hospice Alliance, Inc.

        Their gracious care and kindness are unsurpassed.

Thoughts for Rebecca (Nehr) Kenney (1948-2014);

  • Mary Beth Taylor says:

    I wish to express my sympathies to the family. I know your wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt, etc. as Ms. Becky. I worked with her when we were both at A Child’s Place daycare. She was there when I started. Becky’s love for children and her compassion are what I loved about her. She taught me how to love the children I worked with. She was a loving person and always had a smile and a listening ear. I am grateful for having known her in my life. I pray that God will shower you with inner strength and peace and that your memories will help you through this time. Sincerely, Mary Beth Taylor (Mrs. Mary Beth)

  • Suzanne Miller says:

    I wish I had the words to express how I feel. Bec you were my friend in high school and long beyond. I miss you dear friend and I always will. Rest in Peace and someday we will meet again.

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