Vigen Memorial Home obituary – Lorenzo “Rennie” Louis Kelley, Jr., 84, Keokuk

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KELLEY, JR.

Lorenzo “Rennie” Louis Kelley, Jr., 84, of Keokuk died Friday, June 24, 2022 at his home in Keokuk.

He was born October 13, 1937 the son of Lorenzo Louis Kelley, Sr. and Ruth Chittick Kelley.

Rennie graduated from Keokuk High School with the class of 1956.  He then attended Keokuk Community College in Keokuk and Culver Stockton in Canton, MO.

He enlisted in the Iowa National guard and retired in 1997.  He was ordered to active duty in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.   After retirement he worked at Keokuk Spirits for fifteen years.  He then was a driver for Gemini Travel.

Rennie was first married to Mary Jo Beeler.  They later divorced.  On September 28, 1986, he was married to Suzanne Sandidge McDowell in Mt. Pleasant, IA. 

He helped establish and was the first president of the Keokuk Athletic Boosters.  He coached boy’s football and basketball and later videotaped the football games for many years.  He loved all sports especially the sports his kids and grandchildren were participating in. 

He was a member of the Keokuk Elks Lodge #106 and American Legion Post #41.  He was also an honorary member of the Keokuk Jaycees and the Knights of Columbus.

Rennie was an avid golfer and enjoyed bowling.  He was a worldwide traveler and never missed an opportunity to take off on an adventure.  He enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Southeastern Community College Girls Blackhawks basketball team and local high school sporting events.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Kelley of Keokuk, two sons, Christopher Scott Kelley (Pam) of Camdenton, MO, and Mark Alan Kelley (Tammy) of Keokuk, four daughters, Denise Kelley of O’Fallon, MO, Jamey Washburn of Keokuk, Jody Martin (Bob) of Keokuk and Casey Kelley of Des Moines, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Kelley (Norma) of Milan, IL and Shirley Daniels (Jerry) of Cape Girardeau, MO along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service with military rites will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 28 at the Keokuk National Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday from 11:30 – 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #106 in Keokuk.

Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. Monday, June 27 at the Vigen Memorial Home with the family meeting with friends at that time.

Memorials may be made to the Keokuk Sports Boosters or the Keokuk Elks Lodge #106.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.

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