March 24, 1937 ~ January 30, 2025
Kenneth Joseph McNamara of Rosemount and formerly of Inver Grove Heights passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on March 24, 1937, in South Saint Paul, MN, Ken was the beloved son of Aloysius and Edith McNamara.
Ken shared a beautiful life with his loving wife, Alice Walsh McNamara, whom he married on January 18, 1958. Together, they built a family, raising four children: Randy (Debbie Ludwig) McNamara, Bruce (Joan) McNamara, Tammy (Mark) Greenlee, and Tonya (Craig) Dolezal. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Nick (Sarah) McNamara, Josh McNamara, Matt McNamara, Zach (Madeline) McNamara, Anna (Brian) Kowalzek, Colin (Brittany) Pampuch, Courtney (Shaine) Alexander, Kinsey Greenlee, Grant Greenlee, Cormac Dolezal, Regan Dolezal and Finnegan Dolezal, and was blessed with many great-grandchildren.
Ken proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1957 before dedicating 30 years to his businesses, McNamara Carpet Cleaning and McNamara Janitorial Service. His strong work ethic and commitment to serving his community were evident in all that he did.
A true Irishman at heart, he epitomized the merry and the melancholy of Ireland. Always quick with a joke and a hearty laugh, he was also known to tear up at Hallmark movies or any mention of struggle or sadness. A die-hard Vikings fan, he spent countless Sundays coaching the team from his favorite chair. He made a great Grasshopper, was an infamously poor sport at board games, and had an unmatched ability to make those around him feel deeply loved.
Ken is survived by his loving sisters, Theresa (Herman) Todd, Beverly (Jack) White, Jean (Frank) Stickler, Margaret (Arthur) Roarke, and Donna (Loren) Flynn, Sister-in-Law Jeanne McNamara, along with many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aloysius and Edith, his brother Richard, and his sister Mary (Jim) LeMay.
Ken will be fondly remembered for his kindness, dedication to his family, and unwavering sense of humor. His presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14, at the Church of the Assumption (51 7th Street West, St. Paul, MN 55102). Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 13, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home (8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN) and one hour prior to Mass at the church. A private interment will follow. Memorials are preferred to the family.