Duane E. Kelly
Duane Edward Kelly Sr, the son of Lawrence and Juanita (Stroud) Kelly, was born on March 27, 1945 in Merna, Nebraska. He passed away on May 5, 2025 at his home in Hardy, Nebraska at the age of 80 years, 1 month, 8 days.
Duane was one of seven children, his siblings are Bernard, William, Carol, Larry, Gerald and JoAnne. Most of Duane’s education was at Sargent High School, Sargent, Nebraska. He graduated in 1964. He was an excellent football player and was elected Homecoming King for the football team in 1964. Duane’s chosen faith was Catholic. He served as altar boy at St. Mary’s Catholic Church during his school years. He served two years in the U.S. Army as a cook. He spent most of his army time at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.
Duane married Valerie Young on May 24, 1969. They raised 3 children, Duane Edward Jr., Kristi, and Timothy. They have 12 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.
Duane and Valerie lived and worked in several Nebraska towns. His main stay was in Elm Creek and worked in Holdrege for 21 years.
He had many hobbies and proficiencies but was very good at mechanics, house remodeling, and woodworking. He liked making outside wood decorations and enjoyed playing cards with family and friends. In July of 2020, Duane and Valerie moved to Hardy, Nebraska, so they could be close to sons, Edward and Timothy and their wives. Hardy is a very small village but one of Duane’s fun activities was to attend the coffee club at the Hardy Bores Nest with some of the Hardy elder guys and swap stories.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Larry, sister Carol, grandson David Dean, great-grandson Jaxon Linden, sisters-inlaw Connie, Marilyn A, Marilyn J, and Sharon Kelly, and brother-in-law Lambert Bilka.
Survivors include his wife Valerie, children Ed (April) Kelly of Hardy, Kristina (Rod) Gruber of Kansas and Tim (Staci) Kelly of Hardy, 12 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; siblings Bernard of Lander, WY, Bill (Bonnie) of Clinton, IN, Gerald of Hardy and JoAnne (Greg) of Callaway, NE; other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11:00 am from the Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior, Nebraska with Fr. Ryan McCandless officiating.
Music was “Go Rest High On That Mountain”, “Amazing Grace”, “Old Time Rock and Roll”. “Ill Fly Away” and “Save The Roses”.
Visitation was held on Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.
Pallbearers were Greg Sadler, Dave Healey, Greg Edwards, Doyle Christensen, Jim Miller and Marvin Tress. Honorary Pallbearers were his grandchildren, Brendon Kelly, Nick Kelly, Jennifer Kelly, Zandra Dean, Brittany Linden, Anne Gruber, RJ Gruber, Zachary Fogel, Bailey Fogel, Levi Fogel, Timothy Kelly Jr. and Jonathan Kelly.
Interment with Military Honors was in the Hardy Cemetery at Superior, Nebraska.
Memorials are suggested to go to the family.
Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes. com.
Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.
