Rick Kennett of Menomonee Falls, WI, passed away at the age of 77 on April 29, 2026, surrounded by his wife, family, and close friends.
Rick was born on May 21, 1948, in New Rochelle, New York to Richard and Barbara Kennett.
Rick was a U.S. Army veteran who served a tour in Vietnam. Following his military service, Rick went on to build a long and accomplished career in information technology, spending more than 25 years supporting systems, technology, and process improvement for manufacturing companies in New York. He was known for his keen ability to design, develop, and implement meaningful change across organizations. An intense and focused leader, Rick often saw possibilities others did not—remaining ahead of the curve and at the forefront of innovation. He had a unique way of looking at organizational dynamics and was a true out-of-the-box thinker, with remarkable knowledge in IT and strategy – humbly and humorously describing himself as an “IT weenie.”
Rick put the same intensity and focus into his hobbies as he did his career. He developed a passion for darts, honed his skills, and made his mark in the Long Island dart scene. Then it was golf, then gardening, and then boating and fishing. When he decided to go in on something, he went all in and wanted to become the best at it. The same can be said for his passion about chili. For more than 20 years, Rick hosted an annual chili party in Long Island that was attended by 100’s of people. His ‘Chili Con Carnage’ gained a reputation of its own. When asked about the secret to his recipe, Rick, with his signature humor, claimed it started with last year’s batch—buried in the yard in a plain brown paper bag.
After his retirement, Rick found his way back to his prom date and high school sweetheart, Jill. Nearly 40 years after first going their separate ways, the two were reunited when Rick returned to Menomonee Falls in 2010. They quickly fell in love again and were married in 2013. From that point on, they built a wonderful life together – travelling, laughing, gardening, and cooking side by side. Rick’s greatest joy – his passion – became sharing life with Jill and their children and grandchildren. He shared his talented cooking, his appreciation for a simple hot dog, his fondness of oysters (and oyster shooters), and his love of birds and the beach. Though he could be stubborn – something few would argue – his stubbornness was far outweighed and greatly outshined by his humor, his willingness to lend a hand, his easy friendliness, and the deep love he had for those closest to him. With his humor intact until the very end, Rick passed away on Jill’s birthday and remarked that “this could become part of their legacy.”
Rick is survived by his wife Jill; brother Fritz and sister Robin; beloved stepchildren Amy (Bob) Beckers, Ryan Fick, Chris (Shannon) Helwig, Pat (Kristin) Helwig; son Sean (Amy) Kennett; 19 grandchildren; and amazing friends and neighbors Diane Harley, Bob and Carmen Schersing, Dave and Liz Rickaby, Rob and Kathy Andersen, and many more.
He was preceded in death by his brother Ronnie and sister Randy.
A visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, N84 W17937 Menomonee Ave., Menomonee Falls, WI, followed by a 5:30 p.m. memorial service. After the service, all are welcome to attend a celebration of Rick’s life at D.Js Goalpost, N81W15094 Appleton Ave. Menomonee Falls.
Rick’s memory will be cherished, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
