Jerry Kelley, of Jefferson, passed away November 14, 2023, at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, at the age of 94 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held Nov. 18 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, 515-386-2171. Ryan Johnson will be the officiant. Interment will be immediately after with family only at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery. Honorary bearers will be John Beltz, Dennis Johnston, H.D. Meinecke, Guy Richardson, John McCormick, Tom Schilling, Dan Burkhardt, Paul Richardson and Dan McFarlane.
A Celebration of Life will be held Nov. 18 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson, 515-386-2171. Ryan Johnson will be the officiant. Interment will be immediately after with family only at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery. Honorary bearers will be John Beltz, Dennis Johnston, H.D. Meinecke, Guy Richardson, John McCormick, Tom Schilling, Dan Burkhardt, Paul Richardson and Dan McFarlane.
He was born November 2, 1929, on a farm north of Jefferson, in Greene County, to Alvin and Nellie Kelley. He attended country school in Hardin Township as a child and immediately began his career as a farmer after. At the age of 27 he married Joan Mears (Kelley) on August 3, 1956. In marriage he became the stepfather to Hal Meinecke and Nancy Johnston. They were happily married until Joan passed away in 1990 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jerry then shared the next years of his life with his friend and companion, Pauline Richardson.
Jerry was raised through the Depression and learned from his parents a hard work ethic and how to save and spend money wisely. Jerry spent his life farming. Over his 94 years of life, he navigated the significant changes of the agricultural landscape from plowing with horses as a child to operating large equipment into his 80s. Jerry also loved to have a good time with friends at a hog roast or a sing along.
He was very politically active as a lifelong Republican. He drove the Republican truck for parades and was involved in other campaign activities. He loved Spring Lake as a child and in his later years has supported its continued place in Greene County through donations and support. He also served as the Greene County supervisor and was a member of the Jefferson Elks lodge.
He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Nellie Kelley; wife Joan Kelley; sister Betty Thornton; stepson Hal Meinecke; grandson Mark Johnston; and friend/companion Pauline Richardson.
Jerry is survived by stepchildren Nancy (Denny) Johnston, Guy (Katie) Richardson, Becky (Tom) Schilling, Paul (Lisa) Richardson, Robbie (Dan) Burkhardt, and Diane Meinecke; grandchildren Danielle (Mike) Kenworthy, Craig Johnston, Steven (Stephanie) Johnston, Ryan (Debby) Johnston, HD Meinecke (Monica McDowell), Amy (Aaron) Guiter, and Abby (Todd) Smithson.
