Paul J. Kelly

Paul Kelly, 85, of Britt passed away Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Arbor Springs Continuing Care Retirement Community in West Des Moines.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 139 3^rd Street South East in Britt with Father Jim Dubert officiating. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Britt.

A Scriptural Wake Service and Rosary will be held at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt, with visitation following until 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday.

Paul was born on October 7, 1932 in Britt, Iowa. He graduated from Britt High School and later Iowa State University where he competed on the Cyclone Wrestling Team. He also served our country in the United States Army during the Korean War.

Paul married Marlys Goetz of Wesley in 1960 and settled in Britt. With a card table and chair, he opened a real estate office on Main Street in Britt, which he operated for more than 50 years.

Paul served his community in many different ways on boards, committees and volunteering. Paul was a charter member of the local Knights of Columbus, as well as the Iowa Farm and Land Brokers Association. He served many years with the Britt School Board, Lions Club, Britt Chamber and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt.

Paul took great joy in his nine children and their many activities including   4-H, softball, volleyball, golf, football, track, basketball and wrestling. He found it especially rewarding to see his sons walk in the State High School Wrestling Grand March. West Hancock and Iowa State University athletics continued to be a major part of his activities up to his death.

Paul is survived by his nine children and their families: Karen and Michael Sankey of Algona and their sons Robert (fiancée Jenny) and William (Megan) and their daughter Marleigh, Connie Kelly of Ankeny, Timothy and RaNae Kelly of Plover, Wisconsin and their children Regan, Elizabeth, Jack, and Grace, Jeffrey and Sara Kelly of Urbandale and their daughter Claire, Michael Kelly of Ankeny and his children Storm (fiancée Kaitlyn), Rachel, Brooklyn, and Paul, Patrick and Lisa Kelly of Topeka, Kansas and their children Ryan, Bailey, and Ella, Steven and DeAnna Kelly of Britt and their children Cole, Kennedy, Creighton, and Hayden, Kristie and Nathan Smith of Ankeny and their children Tillie, Maizie, and Hazel, and Mark and Morgan Kelly of Ankeny and their children Maclaine, Bria, Cameron, Britt, and Corbin; sister Teresa Rottinghaus of Mason City; and numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Marlys, his parents, sisters Arlene McDermott and Rose Mary Stevermer, and brothers Bob, Francis, and Joe.