Craig E. Kelly

Craig E. Kelly, 70, of Jefferson, SD, passed away due to complications from cancer on September 18 at a local nursing home. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 22 at 7:00 p.m. with visitation from 4-7 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com. Craig was born on December 16, 1950 in Sioux City, the oldest of 3 children, to Beryl and Lea (Langston) Kelly. Craig served in the United States Air Force for 20 years and was stationed in Vietnam, California, Colorado, Germany, Oklahoma, Illinois, Italy, Ohio and Saudi Arabia. He was united in marriage to DuRetta Joslin on September 2, 1970 and together they had two children, Jim and Heather. In 1996 he met Nancy Hall-Clay and they were married in 2005. Together she and her four girls joined the family. Craig was a retired math and engineering teacher and golf coach at Sgt. Bluff-Luton School. He loved to golf with his son Jim and grandsons Austin and Ethan. He enjoyed going to car shows around Siouxland and his annual trip to the Des Moines Goodguys Car Show at the fairgrounds with Austin Clay and Sean Hurley. Austin and Grandpa had many adventures. Craig was a friend of Bill W. and a member of the Strollers, Goodguys and Boy Scouts. On June 14, 2020, Craig was honored with a ceremonial Honor Flight at the Vietnam Memorial in South Sioux City, NE, since they were unable to fly. Those left to honor his memory include his wife Nancy Kelly, Jefferson, SD; children: Jim Kelly and girlfriend Kristie Henry, LeMars, IA, Heather (Eric) Koster, LeMars, IA; Kandice Bice-Ray, San Antonio, TX, Melisa (Chris) Hoesing, Sioux Falls, SD, Erica Clay, Sioux City, IA, Wendy (Kari) Clay, Sioux City, IA; 13 grandchildren: Amber, Emma, & Ethan Kelly, Katelyn & Avery Koster, Jarrette Ray, Evelyn & Oliver Hoesing, Madelyn & Joslyn Androy, Austin Clay, Jasmine Toben, and Ian Clay; brother Kim (Debra) Kelly; sister, Connie (Mat) Kleinschmidt; and double cousin, Doyle (Donna) Kelly; parent-in-laws: Russell and Midge Hall; brothers-in-law: Pat (Linda) Hall, Tim (Lois) Hall, Joe Hall; sister-in-law, Kathy (Bruce) Rubida, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; aunt and uncle, Ruth and Jess Kelly; and nephew, Clint Kelly. The family would like to thank the VA, Hospice of Siouxland, and family and friends for all of their wonderful care, support, and encouragement given to Craig.