Richard J. Kelly

MSGT Richard J. Kelly passed away February 4, 2015 in Huntsville, Alabama. Military Burial Rites will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 10, 2015 at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter. Survivors attending will include his wife, Carolyn and his three children; Jim Kelly, Dave Kelly and Sue McGriff. MSGT Richard J. Kelly was born in Davenport, Iowa on January 18, 1938. He was an only son. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. During his last year of High School he served in the National Guard in Cedar Rapids. Shortly after graduating he joined the United States Army, and from there he served for some twenty plus years in Military as a proud soldier. He was an outstanding person in his field. He also worked in the Civil Service Field for some years, making his Government Service a total of over 40 years. Sargeant Kelly met and married his best friend where his Mother worked. I happened to inquire one day of about the young man's picture on her desk and she couldn't wait to tell me all about him. He came home on leave and we met and married on January 26, 1961. Our life has been like a fairy tale except for a couple bumps in the road. He served two tours overseas. One in Japan and the children and I were able to go. The other wasn't as nice to go in Vietnam, but Dick went and served his Country with pride. I was born and raised in a family of seven brothers and sisters, so this was hard for Dick to get used to having all the extra siblings. He was a soldier of many talents, well liked by all his men he trained and who he taught in the military before they went overseas. He was an instructor in the Army Intelligence School in Ayer, Massachusetts. I didn't know what Dick did do in his job, but accepted it. He then was sent on orders to Vietnam. My hardest years of our marriage. I heard very little from him due to his not writing because of his work and how dangerous it was. My one great joy was the day his Mother and I met Dick in Cedar Rapids when he got off that plane. I raised our three young children who were all under the ages of 6 yrs. Not easy and the fear of your husband not coming back. By that time in our lives we were thinking of retirement. He did spend several trips back in Germany in the area where we were stationed, in Augsburg, Germany-a beautiful place. He is a special person. He received many service awards and honors while in the Army. Too include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal (lst overseas service bars (2) Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Unit Medal (2nd Oak Leaf Cluster), Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), American Campaign Medal/National Defense Service Medal/Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (1-2)/Vietnam Campaign Medal/Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm/Civil Actions Medal, M-16 Rifle Expert Badge/M-14 Rifle Sharpshooter Badge/Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon-3. Upon retirement Dick took up woodworking and made and presented to each of our Grandchildren, a Rocking Horse as they were born. Not one of them were alike. He built me several bird houses, and then turned his talents to making small row boats. He was an avid book reader, reading well over several thousand books. We will celebrate our 54th year of marriage and deep love for each on January 26th, and always try to remember the good times. With this I will close this letter out. Carolyn. Service: 11:00 a.m. Iowa Veterans Cemetery Van Meter, Iowa