Francis C. Kelly

Francis "Kid" Kelly, age 86, of Varina, Iowa died February 22, 2016 at Pleasant View Home in Albert City, Iowa. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Varina. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military rites by the Varina American Legion. Visitation will take place Friday, February 26, 2016 from 5-8:30 p.m. at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake with a rosary at 5:00 p.m. and a Celebration of Life Service at 7:00 p.m. all at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. Memorials may be made out to your choice of the Varina American Legion or dementia studies. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements. Francis C. Kelly was born December 28, 1929 in Fonda, Iowa, the son of Joseph E. and Hazel (O’Donnell) Kelly. Francis was baptized and later confirmed at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Varina. He attended school in Varina, where he graduated high school. On September 12, 1958, Francis was united in marriage to Jacqueline June Anderson in St. Anthony of Padua in Gardena, California. Together, they were blessed with nine children: Rebecca, Kevin, Michelle, Gregory, Nancy, Joleen, Andrew, Elizabeth, and Regina. Francis enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. on November 14, 1951 where he proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged on November 5, 1953 as a Corporal. Francis was a lifelong member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Varina. He also served on the past building and grounds committee. Francis was very active in the American Legion W.D. Stiener Post #588. In the past, he was the 8th District Commander, Post Commander, and was actively involved in the Veteran’s Affairs. Francis was also active in the Varina volunteer Fire Department. Traveling was always one of Francis’ favorite pastimes. Throughout his lifetime, he visited Germany, West Virginia, California, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, or anywhere else his kids had scattered to. Francis also enjoyed fishing, and working on John Deere tractors. Most of all, Francis cherished the time spent with his family. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend to many. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Jacqueline Kelly of the Pleasant View Nursing Home in Albert City, Iowa; children: Rebecca (Walt) Rogers of Bolivar, Missouri; Kevin (Emily) Kelly of Harrison Township, Michigan; Michelle (Al) Handrow of Burnett, Wisconsin; Greg (Kathy) Kelly of Topeka, Kansas; Nancy Kelly of Varina, Iowa; Joleen (Daron) Anderson of Newell, Iowa; Andrew (Quin) Kelly of Albert City, Iowa; Elizabeth Franker (James McLaughlin) of Akron, Iowa; Regina (Michael) Menke of Altoona, Iowa; grandchildren: Candice Rogers-Siers, Walter (Sindi-Vallera) Rogers, Elizabeth (James) Sass, Erin (Derrick) Harrington, Jennifer (Forest) Frami; Adam (Toni) Miller; Benjamin (Jessica) Miller, Sarah Morris, Shane Kelly, Devin Kelly, Bryan Kelly, Peter (Tessa) Weitzel, Claire Weitzel, Anna Anderson, Elle Anderson, Ian Anderson, Preston Kelly, Eric Kelly, Crystal Kelly, Bryghtyn Franker, Alex Franker, Jacob Menke, Rachel Menke; fifteen great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Lydia Kelly of Florida; Patsi (Robert) Nystrom of Havelock, Iowa; Honey (Harry) Rein of Encino, California; Henrie (Jim) Anderson–Hiotts of Houston, Texas; nieces; nephews; cousins; extended family and friends. Francis was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Hazel Kelly; sister, Mary Elaine (Tom) Hoye; brothers: Louis (Katherine), Keith (Mary) Kelly, James Kelly; brother-in-law, Lawrence Anderson; nephews: Joe Hoye, Richard Anderson, and Timothy Nystrom; niece, Cindy Kelly-Johnson; and granddaughter, Emily June Menke.

Francis C. Kelly

December 28, 1929 - February 22, 2016