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Jeffrey W. Kelly

1945 - 2024

BORN

1945

DIED

2024

About

Baker University

Jeffrey Kelly Obituary

Jeffrey W. Kelly

June 11, 1945 - September 22, 2024

GRAND ISLAND - Jeffrey W. Kelly, 79, died Sunday, September 22, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. Private family inurnment will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery, Grand Island, Neb.

Jeffrey was born June 11, 1945, in Springfield, Missouri, the son of Howard and Florence (Fulton). He was raised in Grand Island, Neb., graduating from Grand Island Senior High in 1963. Jeffrey attended Baker University and was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Following graduation with a degree in Journalism, Jeffrey was united in marriage to Nancy Stevens in 1968. To this marriage, two children were born, Luke and John.

Jeffrey and Nancy returned to Nebraska in the mid 1970's, settling in Grand Island. It was here that Jeffrey joined Kelly Supply Company, working with his father, uncle (Ralph) and aunt (Kathleen).

Jeffrey was active in the community and is remembered as a contributing member to many organizations through the years.

Following retirement in 2008, Jeffrey and Nancy enjoyed time with family and friends in Horseshoe Bay, Texas, and Lincoln, Neb.

Jeffrey is preceded in death by his mother, Florence (Fulton); father, Howard Kelly and his wife, Nancy (Stevens).

Jeffrey will be missed by his son, John Kelly (Audra Lewandowski), son, Luke Kelly (Amy Wenzl).

Others left to cherish his memory include his grandchildren, Sam Kelly, Ryan Kelly, McKynna Kelly, Kwynn Kelly, Corynn Kelly and Evlynn Kelly.

Additionally, Jeffrey is survived by siblings, Kent (K.C.), Sheila and Patricia and Jeff's second wife, Priscilla.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Grand Island Independent on Oct. 23, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Kelly

13 Entries

Tom and Karen jurgensmeier

November 25, 2024

We are so very sorry for your loss
Thoughts and prayers
Tom and Karen Jurgensmeier

Jeannie Shell Harms

October 22, 2024

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Jeff Kelly. I first met Jeff in the 7th grade as a newcomer to Barr Jr High. It is deeply gratifying to read the incredible list of accomplishments that Jeff achieved and offered during his lifetime. His pallbearers were/are also among the best men I´ve ever known. A true band of brothers. Thankful that Jeff will be carried "home" by these men.

Leslie (Birth) Hausmann

October 22, 2024

Hope all goes well!
Wish the family well!
Jeff was a special person!
God bless!

Charlie Bramble

October 22, 2024

So sorry to hear about Jeff's passing. We were good friends, and in fact his dad, Short, was our Little League coach. Jeff was really a good guy. We were both on that '61 State Championship Midget team and played ball all the way from Little League through Legion ball. I have thought of him often.

Chrissy H

October 21, 2024

Jeff was such a kind man. I was working at a restaurant and was his and Nancy's waitress. He liked my customer service and hustle and offered me a job by the time I brought him his check. I remember how much he talked about his grandchildren and the importance of the family business. Our condolences to his sons and their families. He was a great guy.

Mike Blackburn

October 21, 2024

I was greatly saddened to learn of Jeff's passing. Jeff was my best friend growing up. We spent many hours doing things (some of which we probably shouldn't have been doing) together and I have great memories of our times together. He was best man when Mary and I took our vows.
I probably shouldn't share this but while Jeff and I were living together in Lincoln in the spring of 1965 Jeff became friends with the man who had the Yamaha motorcycle dealership and before long, we were both riding small Yamaha motorcycles (our only form of transportation). Jeff discovered that we could get a little more power from those small engines if we removed the baffles from the tailpipe. It helped the power and also increased in the noise level to about 3 or 4 times normal. We lived in the basement apartment of a nice family on Cotner Boulevard and kept the motorcycles in the garage when we were there. One night the two of us went to the Yamaha dealership for an evening of poker and when we returned to the garage on Cotner we decided to remove the baffles and go for a ride around the neighborhood and into a field out past the hospital a few blocks away. This was around 1:00 AM. The next day I stopped at the Yamaha shop to see Jeff and he told me I might not want to hurry back to the apartment. It seems that 16 neighbors had called our landlord to complain about our little adventure the previous night and the landlord was not too happy. We ate dinner every night with the landlord and his family and sat across the table from each other and were both dreading what we expected to hear from the landlord. After they said prayers, we looked at each other and could not keep from laughing. That may have saved us from whatever punishment was being considered and earned us a "DON'T DO IT AGAIN" admonishment along with a laugh from the landlord and his wife. Needless to say, the baffles stayed in from then on.

Mershon Niesner

October 21, 2024

I grew up with Jeff where we both attend GIHS. Jeff was one of my all-time favorite people. What a great guy! Condolences to all of his family.

Monica Ayoub McClure

October 21, 2024

Sheila and Kelly family I was saddened to learn of Jeff´s passing. He surely had an incredible life and touched so many lives in such a positive way. As you share, talk, and remember Jeff may you truly find that this man you loved so much is forever living in your heart. You all have my sympathy and condolences.

Bruce McKeag

October 20, 2024

Sheila, Steve, and Jeff's family---I knew Jeff casually in high school, and please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. May the memories that you shared help sustain you during this difficult time.

Brandi (Falkena) Cornwell

October 18, 2024

I only knew Jeff when I was young (my dad worked for him at Kelly's), but from what I remember, he was an incredible human being. When I was in preschool, my grandparents couldn't come to town for our Grandparent's Day program. Jeff didn't hesitate to show up and be my honorary Grandfather. He did the chicken dance with me-- I will never forget that. I loved Nancy as well. We would go to their house on Halloween or if we just went for a walk in the evenings and they were always so welcoming and kind. Jeff and Nancy will always hold a special place in my heart.

Corynn Kelly

October 18, 2024

Jeff was my grandfather. He taught me to respect everyone regardless of their beliefs, to never lose my sense of wonder, to support your family wholeheartedly- and most importantly, to always have fun and enjoy what I do in life. I was robbed of my time with him these last few years but those lessons have never left me.

He was put on this Earth to be a grandfather. He loved more than anything spending time with his grandkids, asking about school and showing us magic tricks like picking us up by our ears. He would play kitchen with us for hours on end without ever getting bored. He would read to us until we fell asleep (or he did). He took us to Husker football games and taught us how to chant "Go Big Red!". He taught me how to fish on his old rod and taught me how to golf so I could go with him and his buddies.
My favorite thing we did together was when we would sit outside at our cabin eating peanuts on the deck. He would point out constellations and teach me about them. When I got tired, he would carry me inside while singing a song he learned in his fraternity called "Mister Moon". That song has stayed with me ever since.

I love you, grandpa. I´ll say hi to the moon for you

Audra Kelly

October 18, 2024

Jeff was loved and adored by his sons and six grandchildren. Teaching them the song Mr. Moon while looking at the stars, playing rock, long walks, fishing and trips to the driving range. He was the foundation of our family. Jeff and Nancy helped shape our families and traditions. He was the best father in law a girl could ask for. We laughed and joked and he was a father figure when I needed one. I will cherish every memory. The grandchildren miss you. We miss you. But we feel peace knowing you are with Nancy again. Love you forever

Edits to the obituary- Jeff and Nancy's anniversary was 4-5-68. Kelly Supply was started in 1903 by William Kelly not his father and/or grandfather and Evie's name is spelled Evlynn.

Scott & Mary Bosselman Sahling

October 18, 2024

To All Of Jeff´s Family, You are In Our Thoughts & Prayers at this Sad & Difficult Time. Jeff Was A Great Friend and Nancy Also. Wonderful, And Caring. He was a coach for our son Troy Schultz when the boys were younger . A Great Man ,
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Sincerely,
Scott & Mary Sahling From Grand Island, NE.

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