William Leo Kella

William “Bill” Leo Kella, 89, of Osprey & Sarasota FL and formerly of Bettendorf, IA and Peoria, IL passed away on January 20th after a period of declining health. He was born in Kansas City, MO to the late Leo and Ruth Plunkett. Bill proudly served his Country in the United States Naval Reserves and attended St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA. His employment was with the Isaac Walker Company in Peoria until his eventual retirement. He volunteered with the Spalding High School Board, Boy Scouts of America, Knights of Columbus, as well as many school, civic and religious organizations in all three states. Bill’s other interests included automobiles, model railroading and biking. He was an active member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Osprey, FL and former member of St. Mark Church, Peoria, IL. Bill was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who cherished his family. He deeply loved his wife, Mary, and took great pride in each of his sons. Bill truly was a fortunate man.

Bill is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Mary Ellen Stropes Kella of Sarasota; five sons and daughters-in-law, David and Susan of Little Rock, AR, Dr. Timothy and Deborah of Chesterfield, MO, Joseph and Susan of Colleyville, TX, Robert and Roxann of Sydney, AU, John and Joy of Pittsburgh, PA; eighteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; and his step-sister, Bette Kella Willett and Gary of Wake Forest, NC.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, Feb 9 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 425 S. Tamiami Trail, Osprey, FL 34229. Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church or the Kella Fund of the Community Foundation of Central IL, 3625 N Sheridan Rd, Peoria, IL 61633.