Jerry Kelley

Jerry Kelley passed away November 14, 2023, at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, at the age of 94 years. A celebration of life was held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 18 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson. Ryan Johnston officiated. Interment was in the Jefferson Cemetery. Honorary bearers were John Beltz, Dennis Johnston, H D Meinecke, Guy Richardson, John McCormick, Tom Schilling, Dan Burkhardt, Paul Richardson, and Dan McFarlane. Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Jefferson, Iowa. Jerry P. Kelley was born November 2, 1929, on a farm north of Jefferson, in Greene County, Iowa to Alvin and Nellie (Hutchinson) 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. Jerry and Joan 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 80’s. 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 Club. He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Nellie Kelley; wife, Joan Kelley; sister, Betty Thornton; Stepson, Hal Meinecke; grandson, Mark Johnston; friend/companion, Pauline Richardson. Jerry is survived by: Stepchildren; Nancy Johnston (Denny), Guy Richardson (Katie), Becky Schilling (Tom), Paul Richardson (Lisa), Robbie Burkhardt (Dan) and Diane Meinecke; Grandchildren; Danielle Kenworthy (Mike), Craig Johnston, Steven Johnston (Stephanie), Ryan Johnston (Debby), HD Meinecke (Monica McDowell), Amy Guiter (Aaron), Abby Smithson (Todd). In honor of Jerry, memorials are suggested to Spring Lake Park.