John C. Kelly, Jr., 81, of Sioux City, passed away Saturday, September 08, 2018. A memorial mass will be 10:30 A.M. Monday, September 17, 2018 at Holy Cross Parish Blessed Sacrament. Visitation will be Sunday, September 16, 2018 from 4 to 8 P.M. with family present from 6 to 8 P.M. and Vigil service at 7 P.M. at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Entombment will be at Calvary Cemetery.
John was born the son of Mr. and Mrs. John C. Kelly, Sr. on November 9, 1936 in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from Heelan High School in 1954 and the University of Iowa in 1958. John and Wilda Jaeger married on August 17, 1957 in Sioux City, Iowa. They celebrated 61 loving years of marriage.
John retired from Piper Jaffray in June of 2006 after 41 years of financial advising. In 1970 he was named the 1st manager of the local Piper Jaffray office. He will be remembered as an honest and deeply caring mentor and advisor with unquestionable integrity. He was as generous with his time and money as he was with his “old fashions”, his libation of choice. He had a habit of empowering people, raising them up to become more than they thought they could have envisioned on their own. He was always respectful and serious when called for, but his humor put people at ease and made everyone around him feel comfortable and included.
John was known for his athleticism and enjoyed a reputation as a scratch golfer who in the last few years was able to shoot his age or better. He developed many close friendships, whether on the golf course, or through hunting, fishing, going on desert hikes or playing cards. John and Willie enjoyed traveling the world and saw many wonderful places. He derived his greatest joy spending time with his family, here in Sioux City and when he and Willie wintered in California.
He was a lifelong member of Holy Cross Parish Blessed Sacrament. His deep and abiding faith was a living example to his family, and was a wellspring for his optimistic outlook.
John is survived by his wife, Wilda Kelly; daughters, Cynthia (Bob) Agnes of Sioux City, Iowa, Elizabeth (Bob) Mittet of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Virginia (Mark) Clark of South Sioux City, Nebraska; son, John (Mary Ann) Kelly of Sioux City, Iowa; sisters, Molly (Gary) Sokolowski and Katie (Ron) Colling both of Sioux City, IA, Meg (Gil) Evans of Spring Valley, CA; brothers, Tim Kelly of Camino, CA, and Rory Kelly of Sioux City, IA; 10 Grandchildren: Dr. Jada Kurth, Katie Roberts, John Agnes, Mollie Oving, Nora Agnes, and Rob Agnes; Dr. Bob Mittet and Marissa Mittet; JC Clark and Brian Clark; 9 Great-grandchildren, an aunt Mona Kelly and many cousins nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Hagan Kelly and Kevin Kelly. In lieu of flowers, memorials made in John’s name may be directed to Bishop Heelan Pride Campaign, Holy Spirit Retirement Home, or Hospice of Siouxland.