Virgil Kelly

Virgil L. Kelly, age 90, of Potosi, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 surrounded by his family at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, Lancaster.

Virgil was born on March 31, 1924, in Potosi, and is the son of Leo and Esther (Richardson) Kelly. He attended a one room school house in his youth and when he was 18 joined the military services and served in WWII in the Marines. He served overseas until his honorable discharge. He was very proud to be a United States Veteran. Upon completion of his tour of duty, Virgil returned home and began work on the family farm and as a mechanic. He married Irene Burns on July 26, 1947. Shortly after marriage Virgil began a career with John Deere Tractor Works. Virgil worked for John Deere for 35 years and retired in 1982 as the Dubuque Operations Grounds Keeper Supervisor.

As a young man Virgil enjoyed stock car racing and spending time behind the wheel on the racetrack as well as helping out the pit crew for his team. Shortly after marriage Virgil and Irene purchased a farm in Potosi and this is where they raised their family. Virgil enjoyed being outside and all the activities the farm provided. Virgil was an extremely talented man when it came to fixing things, especially when it came to any farm machinery or vehicles. Virgil was a man with a great work ethic and was passionate about instilling the value of work in his family. Virgil and Irene worked hard to provide for their family throughout their lives.

Surviving are six children: Bill Kelly, Linda Worthington, Mike (Cindy) Kelly, Ronnie (Stephanie) Kelly all of Potosi, Wisconsin; Tim (Sue) Kelly of Dubuque, Iowa, and Kathy Shemak of Dodgeville, Wisconsin. He is also survived by his sister, Marge Maahs of Lancaster, Wisconsin, and his brother, Vernon Kelly of Potosi, Wisconsin. In addition, he is survived by brothers-in-law, Richard (Nola) Burns and Delbert Schuster all of Lancaster, Wisconsin. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Esther; his wife, Irene and his siblings: Marie Pickel, Dave Kelly, Robert Kelly and Marcella Pickel. He was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Carol Kelly and son-in-law, Pete Shemak.

A Service of Remembrance with military honors was held on Friday, November 14, 2014, at 4:00 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Potosi. Private family burial will be at a later date. Family and friends called on Friday, November 14, 2014, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.