Kevin Paul KEARNEY

Kevin P. Kearney, age 59, of Oconomowoc (Lac La Belle), WI, passed away Wednesday, May 26th, 2021, at his residence.  He was surrounded by his loving family who lulled Kevin into the after-life by singing Jackson Browne’ songs.  Kevin was born on October 28th, 1961 in Lakewood, Ohio to the late Paul and Donna Kearney.  

The family moved to Westlake, Ohio, where Kevin graduated from Westlake High School in 1979.  Kevin attended Cornell University, and he graduated with a BS in Hotel Administration.  During his time at Cornell he was a teaching assistant in the Finance department.  He also returned to Cornell during his career to present to the students specific topics about feasibility analysis for hotel development.  Post-college, he began his career with Laventhol & Horwath specializing as a hotel consultant performing feasibility studies.  In 1986, Kevin joined Marriott International, Inc. where he focused on hotel development in North America before being promoted to Executive Vice President of Development in Central and South America.  In 1999, he transitioned to Executive VP of Hotel Development overseeing all of Marriott’s development in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.  Kevin and his family lived on beautiful Lake Zurich from 1999 to 2011.  

During the past 5 years, Kevin was a key member of the Development team for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). Recently, Kevin’s driving passion was “paying it forward”, not only developing hotels in the USA, but equally important was his desire to guide, develop, and coach member of his team.  In addition to Kevin’s deep love for his family, he had a unique and unforgettable relationship with his Marriott & IHG’ colleagues over the past 37-years.  He was a total team player.  Kevin also developed a life-long friendship and trusted-bond with hotel and resort’ clients throughout the world.  

A hallmark of Kevin’s life was the intentionality and commitment that he approached each day of his life.  Whether professional or personal, Kevin continually sought to cultivate and nurture relationships wherever he was in the world and so often this was with a sense of humor.  As a close friend once said “we all talk about what we want to do, but K makes it happen!”  Kevin was an avid boater (from Deep Creek, MD to Lake Zurich, Switzerland, to Lake Winnipesaukee (Alton, NH), and finally to Lac La Belle Lake, a dedicated sports fan (especially a huge fan of Cleveland Browns, Washington Capitals, and Cleveland Cavaliers’ basketball thanks to the exciting play-by-play announcing of the late Joe Tait for nearly 40-years), and an endless traveler for business and visiting with friends. 

Kevin is survived by his wife, Terri, and his children Daniel. Rachel and Michael.  His siblings include Fran (Theresa), Jan (Ted), Mark (Ann), and Brian (Deceased).  In addition, Kevin’s extended family includes Collette King (Michael), Jillian(Brad) Kleba, Isabelle Spear, Elliot Spear (Deceased), and Jacob Spear, and the large extended Kearney and Knight’ family.  

Services are at St. Charles Catholic Church (313 Circle Drive, Hartland, WI 53029) on Friday, June 4th, starting with a Memorial Visitation (4PM-5:30PM), and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 5:30PM.  

For those who would like to attend the service but are unable to attend, a livestream can be found at: parish.stcharleshartland.com

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to  Shatterproof (101 Merritt 7 Corporate Park, 1st Floor, Norwalk CT 06851 Web: http://shatterproof.org) or HomeStretch (303 South Maple Ave, Suite 400, Falls Church VA 22046 Web: http://homestretchva.org). 

May your life be a reflection of Him..

Thelen Funeral Services is honored to be assisting the Kearney family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kevin Paul KEARNEY, please visit our floral store.