Scott M. Kennison

Scott Michael Kennison of Cedarburg, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on May 10, 2024, at the age of 87. He lived a good and productive life, rich in family, friends, and adventure.

Scott is survived by his loving wife of almost 64 years, Marie, his three children, Glen (Chippewa Falls), Jennifer (Los Altos, California), and Craig (Cedarburg) along with Craig’s wife Katie and the beloved grandchildren they brought to the family, Craig Jr., Mary and Claire. He was proud to watch each of them grow and prosper in their sports, activities and lives and would brag about them to anyone who would listen.

Scott was born in Duluth, Minnesota on November 30, 1936, to Dorothy and Everett Kennison. At a young age, he moved to Minneapolis with his mother and sister Patricia to live with his grandparents. His grandfather, Glenn, instilled in him a strong work ethic and taught him to take pride in a job well done. With lessons learned maintaining a duplex with his grandfather, Scott became a skilled carpenter and handyman.

After graduating from Minneapolis Southwest High School and then the University of Minnesota, he was blessed to marry his wife and devoted companion, Marie, on July 23, 1960. Soon after, they moved to Chagrin Falls, Ohio and built their first home. After a few years, they returned to Minneapolis, where they lived until 1976. A job promotion fatefully led them to Cedarburg, where they raised their three children. Living in Cedarburg was a blessing for his family.

Scott was a consummate salesman throughout his life, first for 3M, and then for most of his career with Diebold, where he made many friends in the banking industry. He also worked at Deluxe, and finished his career as part of a team that built US Processing during its early years. After he retired, Scott served 10 years on Cedarburg’s Police and Fire Commission.

Scott was gregarious and made friends wherever he went. He thrived on exploration and adventure in the companionship of his family and friends--sometimes to their wonder, and other times to their dismay. Summer was the season for fishing and camping trips. Year after year, he fished the lakes of Minnesota and Wisconsin, Alaska, Canada and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, as well as nearby Lake Michigan, no matter the conditions. He brought people together with his (often embellished) storytelling, and loved to share the bounty of their catch after each adventure. Fall was the season for hunting, whether for grouse, ducks or deer, but always in companionship with people he loved. Each year, deer camp combined the camaraderie and love for the outdoors that he cherished. He was truly blessed to have many meaningful and lifelong friendships.

His perennial home improvement projects were always “opportunities” for family and neighbors to help with a “quick” project together. “It’ll only take a couple hours” he’d say. In return, he was quick to assist others with their projects. He also thrived on his woodworking projects. The kitchen table often became his workbench. His family cherishes many of the special pieces he made. He always wanted to be busy, but when relaxation was needed, he was a voracious reader. He may have read all the books Cedarburg’s library had to offer.

The Kennison family is exceptionally grateful to the staff of Cedarburg Health Services, where he lived his final years. They provided great care, compassion, and kindness to “Scotty” through the many health challenges he faced.

Funeral services will be held June 24, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Crossroads Presbyterian Church in Mequon. Visitation will precede services, from 9:30 – 11:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Crossroads Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.