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Michael Kelley Obituary
August 26, 1949 - January 21, 2026
Michael William Kelley, 76, of Waterloo, died on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home.
Mike was born on August 26, 1949, in Waterloo, the son of Francis and Virginia (Rouse) Kelley. He was a graduate of Waterloo West High School and later, graduated from Upper Iowa University. Mike married Rita Martin on August 16, 1975.
Mike served in the U.S. Navy from 1970 until 1973 and went on to serve two decades in the Navy Reserves. While in the Navy, he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, and Combat Action Medal.
He worked for several companies including Land O'Lakes, BPI, Richelieu Foods, and S & B Industrial Minerals. Mike was a longtime member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Evansdale, where he served as a Deacon for a number of years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol; and brothers-in-law, Terry Gray, and Dennis and Gary Martin.
Mike is survived by his wife, Rita, of Waterloo; son, Patrick, of Waterloo; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Gray, and Karen (Dale) Dupuis; brother-in-law, Dave (Kathy) Martin; and many nieces and nephews.
Family hosted funeral service: 1 p.m., Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church-Evansdale. Military honors to be provided by the United States Army and Amvet Post 31. A Memorial gathering will take place one hour prior to the service.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to the family.
Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.
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