Vernon L. "Puss" Kelly

POTOSI – Vernon L. “Puss” Kelly, age 87, of Potosi, passed away November 12, 2017, at home, surrounded by his family and best friend and neighbor, Judy Elskamp. He was born August 11, 1930, in Potosi township, the son of Leo and Esther (Richardson) Kelly. Vernon was united in marriage to Delores McCartney in 1949. Vernon had several jobs during his lifetime. He worked for the Dubuque Pack, helped with construction on Xavier Hospital, Dubuque, IA, before joining his parents on the family farm. He worked several years for Don Frederick, digging graves in many area cemeteries, fixing fence, and painting houses with friends.
Vernon was a hard-working man all his life. He was generous, kind, and always willing to help anyone in need. He enjoyed deer, turkey, and coon hunting, fishing for catfish and bluegills, and especially lived for ice fishing. His true passion was his garden.
He will be sadly missed by his family and by all those who knew him. Survivors include his children: Allen (Darleen Buss) Kelly, Tom Kelly, and Diane (Keith Weber) Kelly; three great-grandchildren: Taylor Rose Ciganic, Elijah Kelly, and Haley Kelly; sister, Marge Maahs; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by his wife, Delores, in 1964; a grandson, Jason Kelly; two sisters: Marie (Delbert) Pickel, and Marcella (Bernell) Pickel; and three brothers: Virgil (Irene), Melvin “Dave” (Mildred “Millie”), and Robert “Whitey” (Joyce) Kelly.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home and Crematory in Potosi with Pastor Maggie Lewis officiating. Burial will be in Van Buren Cemetery, Potosi. Family and friends may call on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home and Crematory in Potosi, and from 9:30 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home. In lieu of plants and flowers and Vernon L. “Puss” Kelly Memorial Fund has been established. Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Potosi is assisting the family.