Kelly, Patrick L. 1934-2009

KELLY, HOFFMANN

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 3/24/2009 at 12:17:36

From: Carlsen Funeral Home Website, March 24, 2009

Patrick L. Kelly, 75, of Le Mars passed away Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars, Iowa.

Visitations with family and sharing of memories of Pat will be Friday, March 27, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. A Private Family Service will take place later. Memorials can be given in Pat’s memory to Hospice of Siouxland or the Siouxland Humane Society.

Patrick Leo Kelly was born January 26, 1934 in Le Mars, Iowa to Orrin and Frances (Hoffmann) Kelly. Pat attended and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in Le Mars in 1951. Following high school, Pat continued his education at Westmar College in Le Mars graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education in 1955. While attending Westmar, Pat was the recipient of the Gold Star Mother’s Memorial Scholarship from the American Legion Auxiliary. On August 11, 1955, Pat was drafted into the United States Army. Following basic training Pat was stationed in Korea as a postal clerk. Upon his honorable discharge, Pat returned to Le Mars and worked as the Music Director with the Gehlen Catholic Schools. He later taught music at Bayard, Scranton, and Webster City, Iowa schools. Pat spent many years in Webster City where he had also served as the music director for his church and shared his time and talents with the Webster City Community Theatre. With the Community Theatre he served on the Board, acted in many plays and was the music director. Due to declining health, Pat had to resign from teaching and community activities.

Composing music and writing became his life. His works consisted of plays, writing classical and semi-classical music and spiritual music. During the summer months, Pat attended classes at Drake University in Des Moines working towards his Master’s Degree in Music. Eventually he returned to Le Mars, where he continued doing what he loved, composing music, writing and attending community theatre. Pat also enjoyed going for walks, reading and watching special programs on television.

He will be in the thoughts of his sister, Kate Kelly of Le Mars; a sister-in-law, Judy Kelly and her children: Kathy Sitzman and her husband Gene of Le Mars, Michael Kelly and his wife Melissa of Orange City, IA, Jeff Kelly and his wife Amy of Le Mars, Laurie McShane and her husband Brian of Hartley, IA, Jeni Beitelspacher and her husband Scott of Le Mars, and Jill Van Voorst and her husband Travis of Le Mars; several great nephews, nieces and a special canine friend….Fletcher.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers, Tom and Jerry Kelly; a nephew, Jamie Langel; and a dear friend, Mickey Ward.