Jerry M.
Kelley
- A private gathering will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm with a time of sharing at 6:00pm at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME 16880 W. National Ave. New Berlin, WI 53151.
Jerry Morris Kelley
February 19, 1940 – October 4, 2025
It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Jerry Morris Kelley (1940–2025), who departed on October 4, 2025, at the age of 85. Jerry was born to Mary Belle and James Kelley on February 19, 1940, in Bonn Terre, Missouri. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a man known for his unwavering love for family, golf, football and music.
Jerry graduated from Kirksville State Teachers College (now known as Truman State University) in Kirksville, Missouri. There he played football (left tackle) for the Bulldogs and served as team captain. He met his wife, Millie, at Kirksville State, and they were married on June 6, 1964. Their 61-year marriage was a testament to their enduring partnership. After graduating with a degree in Business, Jerry devoted his entire career to the meat industry in sales and marketing with Swift & Company and Strauss Brothers Veal and Lamb.
He is survived by his loving wife, Millie; his children, Kim (Tom) and Katy; and his two grandchildren, Evan and Lilah, whom he adored. He is also survived by his two sisters, Jeannie (Len), Mary Jane (Pete); his niece Heather, and nephews Doug (Robin), Mike (Debbie), Hank (Bree), Andrew and Joel (Crystal). He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Nancy and his nephew Richard.
Jerry’s family will celebrate his life in a private ceremony. The family requests donations be made in lieu of flowers to The Alzheimer’s Association of Wisconsin and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Jerry’s humor, leadership and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
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We had the opportunity to meet a couple of times. What a wonderful man! Very kind and gracious. Loved his great sense of humor. He will be missed.
I have known Jerry since his football days at Kirksville & I was a cheerleader for the Bulldogs.
He had many talents and will be greatly missed by his friends and his precious family.. .
I have many fond memories of spending holidays with Uncle Jerry, Aunt Millie, Kim and Katy. Every year during Thanksgiving or Christmas he would introduce new food items to me. I remember that one year it was smoked sardines, another was pickled herring, another was exotic cheeses. He was always joking with someone during family meals. I do remember on a few occasions as they were saying goodbye and heading back to Wisconsin, he had tears on his cheeks. He loved his parents, loved his siblings, loved his family.
Jerry is my cousin and growing up with his family one house away was special. In between our families was Grandma and Grandpa Kelley. A lot of good picnics in the backyards. Grandma and Grandpa were one of first on our block to have a TV. Friday night was a big night there as all the Kelleys were there watching “Wrestling from the Chase” out of St Louis. I was spo happy when it worked out for me to go to Kirksville to play football. Got to room with Jerry for 2 years. He had much better career then I did. Thoughts are with Millie and her family.