Kenneth D. Kelly

Kenneth D. Kelly, 72, a resident of Eldridge, Iowa passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

A memorial Mass celebrating his life will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Long Grove, Iowa. The family will greet friends and family during visitation from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for improvements to the Eldridge Parks and Recreation where Ken loved spending time with his grandchildren, going from park to park. Chambers Funeral Home of Eldridge is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ken was born in Clinton, Iowa on August 8, 1952, the son of Donald Kelly and Phyllis (Knock) Kelly and was a 1974 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa. On August 18, 1972, he was united in marriage to Virginia A. Kelly in Clinton.

He was employed in the insurance industry as a claims adjuster, retiring after thirty plus years of service.

Ken was an avid sports fan. A highlight of Ken’s athletic career was his induction into the Mount St. Claire College Athletic Hall of Fame for his basketball career. Ken continued his love for sports in coaching youth sports in the Eldridge community for over 15 years. His proudest moments were spending time coaching young youth. 

He enjoyed many things in life including his annual fishing trip and being the “mayor” of Spirit Lake neighborhood, but above all, he treasured the time spent with his beloved grandchildren. Cheering his grandchildren in a sporting event or a dance competition was where Ken found the most joy in life. Papa Ken will forever be remembered as the “boat guy” and their biggest cheerleader. 

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Virginia of 52 years; his daughters, Katie (Beau) Dexter of Eldridge, Maggie Kelly of Eldridge; his son, Joe (Gretchen Carter) Kelly of Spirit Lake, Iowa; his grandchildren, Nora, Landon, Dani Mae and Charley; and his sister, Debbie Herrington of Denver, Colorado.

Ken was preceded in death by his father, Donald Kelly; his mother & step-father, Phyllis and John Wagemester; and his infant sister, Lindy Kelly.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the love and support from the care received at the University of Iowa, MercyOne Genesis and Heartland Hospice.