Johnny Kelley

John James Kelley was born September 14, 1922, to James and Anna (Behrendt) Kelley in Woodbine, Iowa. He was raised in Woodbine attending country school and graduating in 1940 from Woodbine High School. He then attended trade school in Omaha. On June 26, 1952, Johnny married Rita Arkfeld at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Panama. The couple farmed east of Woodbine. He did custom corn shelling, bull dozing as well as some trucking. He was known for his mechanical abilities and in 1966, he built a four wheel drive tractor for the Woodbine Centennial in just four months time. In 1989, Johnny retired.

Johnny was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and he served on the REC board. Since retirement he enjoyed traveling with Rita and also tinkering in his shop.

Johnny died on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, at the Rose Vista Nursing Home in Woodbine, Iowa at the age of 90 years and 26 days.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Rita Kelley on December 11, 2011; daughter, Joyce Kelley; grandson Kirk Sturgill and brother, L.J. "Bud" Kelley. He is survived by his seven children, Susan (Dana) Sturgill of Dunlap, IA, Marvin (Patty) Kelley of Woodbine, IA, Nancy (Steve) Hupp of Scranton, IA, Norma (Martin) Houston of Broomfield, CO, Cindy Stessman of Dunlap, IA, Paul (Tracy) Kelley of Woodbine, IA, Sheila (Bill) Bonner of Omaha, NE; 18 grandchildren; six great grandchildren; sister, Lovina (Wayne) Bryant of Underwood, IA; brother, Alf (Agnes) Kelley of Papillion, NE; in-laws, George Arkfeld of Oceanside, CA, Micky Arkfeld of Panama, IA and Jerry Bissen of Earling, IA: and many other relatives and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 am Saturday, October 13, 2012
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Woodbine, Iowa

Con Celebrant
Rev. Felix Onuora, CSSP
Rev. Vincent Ohlinger, SVD

Musicians
Marilyn Grote
Angie Pryor

Pall Bearers
Greg Kelley ~ Michael Kelley ~ Chris Sturgill
Casey Sturgill ~ John Hupp ~ Joe Hupp ~ Sean Houston
Bryce Bonner ~ Dylan Bonner ~ Carson Kelley

Final Resting Place
Woodbine Cemetery
Woodbine, Iowa