Gene Kenney Obituary

Gene Kenney, a 94-year-old American wrestler, football player, and soccer coach, away peacefully on June 14, 2022, a few weeks after celebrating his 94th birthday. He was surrounded by all four of his children.

Gene was born on May 15, 1928, and raised in Urbana, Illinois. He was the oldest son of Harold “HEK” and Evelyn Bonnen Kenney’s four children.

Kenney was the first head coach of the Michigan State Spartans men’s soccer team. From 1956 through 1969, Kenney coached the Spartans.

The Spartans had their most successful season in programme history under Kenney’s tenure as coach. Kenney coached the Spartans to a 120-13-13 record and two NCAA championships.

Kenney worked as an athletic administrator for the Michigan State athletics programme from 1970 following his retirement from coaching.

Gene spent as much time as he could with his family and friends at the cottage on Lake Lauzon after he retired.

Gene is survived by a son, Michael Kenney; daughters, Kimberly  Kus, Jill Kenney McQuinn, and Lynda  Ireland; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Donald Kenney; and sister, Mary Fran Earles.