David Kelley

A Private Family Memorial Service for David J. "Dave" Kelley will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Fridhem Lutheran Church in Funk, Nebraska, with Pastor Daren Popple officiating.  Inurnment will follow at the Wilcox Cemetery, Wilcox, Nebraska.

Dave passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Kari and four of his children by his side, after a long battle with cancer.

Dave loved God and his family and friends. He enjoyed the Lake of the Ozarks, being on water, boating, Kansas City Chiefs football, watching his grandchildren, traveling, and riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, to name a few. He also enjoyed eating at fine restaurants, local cafes, and dive bars.

He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in New York and continued to grow in the field of hospitality. From owning his own restaurants to achieving General Manager status at multiple country clubs. He even patented his own invention called the Stay Kool cooler. Dave was very motivated in his career and made those around him feel happy and welcome.

At the end of his career, he was the General Manager of the Bloomington Country Club, where he had many goals to achieve, and he was very proud of his accomplishments. The BCC staff and community wrapped their arms around him with love and supported him and Kari until the end.

Dave is survived by his wife Kari, and his brother Kenneth Kelley (Chandra) of Temecula, CA; his children Carrie Kelley Brown (Brandon) and Cory Kelley of Quincy, IL, Shelby Kelley (Matt Phillips) of Ottumwa, IA, Casey Schopp (Zacari) of Moberly, MO, and stepdaughters Alyssa Jones (Jarrett) and Danielle Kreb (Steven) of Savannah, MO; ten grandchildren: Wyatt and Rhett Jones, Taylee and Camden Jacobson, Sebastian Brown, Carson and Vallyn Schopp, and Brooklyn, Masynn, and Harmony Kreb.

He was preceded in death by his parents Leetha (Vannatta) and Gene Huddleston and L. William Kelley; two infant siblings; and Kari's parents, H. Eugene and Lorraine (Harms) Johnson.

The family wants to thank the Progressive Care Unit at Carle-Bro Menn Medical Center in Normal, IL and OSF Hospice and particularly, his nurse, Kaylee, for the great care they provided Dave.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave's name to OSF Hospice https://www.osfhealthcare.org/foundation  or Kansas State University, School of Consumer Sciences-Hospitality Management, 245 Justin Hall, 1324 Lovers Lane, Manhattan, Kansas 66506.

There will not be a visitation, viewing, or Memorial Book Signing the evening prior to the service.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.