Gerald (jerry) Kenneth Kelly

Jerry Kelly, 84 of Loveland, Colorado passed away January 7, 2008 after a brief illness while grieving the loss of his beloved wife of 64 years, Lee, in September 2007.Gerald Kenneth Kelly was born in Thurston, Nebraska, on June 12, 1923 to John & Bernice Kelly. He married his high school sweetheart Leona M. Hansen on June 19, 1943 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, shortly before reporting for service in the Army where he served as a medic in Europe during WWII.After the war, Gerald & Lee farmed in the Pender/Thurston, Nebraska area where Jerry lost his right hand to a corn picker in 1950. They moved from the family farm in 1956, making their new home in Brighton, Colorado. Loveland became home in 1972, after establishing Kellyâ??s Heating & Air Conditioning with their two sons Gary and Ric. Retiring in 1988, Jerry and Lee traveled throughout the United States in their 5th wheel with friends and as members of Good Samâ??s, in addition to wintering in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Jerry was devoted to his family. His strength, sense of humor and perseverance was an inspiration to many. He was fun loving, mischievous, focused and above all, hard working. Jerry is survived by his daughter Sue (Jim Bettger); sons, Gary Kelly (Bonnie); Ric Kelly (Mary); Denise (Wayne Jablonski); 12 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brothers Morris Kelly (Cleone), Bill Kelly (Gladys) and Mike Kelly (Alice).Visitation: Sunday January 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Service: Monday January 14, 2008 at 10:00 am Resthaven FUneral Home with interment to follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Larimer County Hospice in care of Resthaven.