Our beloved, Marilyn Kenealey passed away on Sunday, November 4, 2018 in her home. She was loved by all. She was a sweet-natured, kind, loving, fun, feisty and supportive friend, co-worker, Aunt, Sister, Mother and Wife. She had a close-knit group of friends and family, whom she valued, loved and cherished.
Marilyn was born on May 22, 1958 to Mary & Cliff Polski, their sixth child in St. Paul, Minnesota. She attended Henry Sibley High School and began her college studies at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. She took a break from school and worked at an Insurance Company, and then went back to complete her four-year degree at University of Wisconsin-River Falls, majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Computer Technology. Marilyn’s older sister Barb convinced her that the future was in technology, so Marilyn made the wise decision to pursue a career in Information Technology. She found her niche as a Business Analyst and loved her work in that field.
Marilyn met Mike Kenealey and fell in love. He was her big tall “Lumberjack Man”, who was an adventurous and intelligent guy … and she was his little, bright and sweet “Mighty Mouse” gal. Mike and Marilyn married on September 25, 1993 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. They spent their honeymoon in Hawaii. Anyone who knows Mike Kenealey knows this story well. The two of them went snorkeling on their honeymoon. Marilyn wanted to snorkel a little longer, so she continued, and Mike went to sun bathe on the beach. Soon another snorkeler found Marilyn laying on the bottom of the ocean 20 feet below the surface. She called them her guardian angels…God led them to her, and they retrieved her from the ocean floor. Thankfully, there were a lot of guardian angels on the shore that day who were able to assist with the rescue effort. Mike wandered over to see what all the commotion was about, only to discover his new bride was the center of attention. Thankfully, Marilyn survived the ordeal, and a year later Shane, their pride and joy, was born. This little guy, who was filled with love and laughter, was a true blessing to their lives. Shane meant everything to Marilyn, and she cherished his positive, upbeat and fun spirit. Not to be forgotten are her furry little babies, Peaches & Cream and Rambi & Nick, who were her special companions over the years. The beauty of Marilyn and Mike’s scenic backyard, the lovely landscaped garden, the private wooded lot and the lush green grounds provided Marilyn with an oasis. Put all of this together, and you will know what made Marilyn feel happy and at peace.
Marilyn was blessed with a large family and loved them dearly. Marilyn is survived by her husband, Mike Kenealey; son, Shane Kenealey; Mother-in-law, Bev Kenealey of Richfield, MN; Brothers, Mark Polski of Star Prairie, MN, Gregg (April) Polski of Mendota Heights, MN; Sisters, Barb (Mike) Lachowitzer of Eden Praire, MN, Joanne (Mike) Savage of Jacksonville, Fl and Ginny Taff of Apple Valley, MN; Relatives, David (Doris) Hanson of Rollag, MN, Dan (Karen) Jongeward of Rollag, MN, Kevin (Karen) Tvedten of Madison, WI; Brother-in-Law, Kevin (Andrea) Kenealey of Milwaukee, WI; Sister-in-law, Kathy (Ken) Briesel of Spooner, WI, Kerry Tvedten of Madison, WI, Lisa Tvedten of Washington, Lee Ann Tvedten of Florida and many loving nieces and nephews!
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Cliff Polski; Dennis Taff, David Jongeward, Dalyce and Vern Axness, Grace & Lee Tvedten; father-in-law, George Kenealey Sr.; John, Jerry and Dolores Kenealey; and Peaches and Cream.
Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, November 13, 2018 11:00 a.m. at The Church of St. John Neumann, 4030 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan, MN 55122. Visitation one-hour prior to Mass only. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family.

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