IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
Kerry Kelsey
Services for Kerry Lee Kelsey, 57, who passed away Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, amongst his loved ones at his home, were Nov. 18, 2023. Interment was in Marion Cemetery.
Kerry was born Nov. 29, 1965, in Marion to Gerald and Sharon (Youk) Kelsey. He was baptized by Pastor Wehmeier on Dec. 29, 1965, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Marion. He completed confirmation at Our Savior Lutheran Church and was an active member there when he died.
He attended Marion schools, graduating with the Marion High School class of 1984. After graduation, Kerry attended Butler Community College and received his certificate of completion in auto body and auto mechanics in 1986. Kerry then went to work for Vern Winter’s Body Shop in McPherson from 1986 to 1994.
On Aug. 23, 1986, Kerry married his high school sweetheart, Lori Vantuyl, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Hillsboro. Pastor John Ryding officiated.
Their union was blessed with three children: two sons, Jerry Lee and Andrew Joseph, and a daughter, Samantha Kay Ellen.
In 1994, Kerry began his lifelong career at CHS Refinery in McPherson, where he worked as an operator in the feed prep unit, a pipe fitter / rigger, and a carpenter.
Kerry loved his job and the many close friends he made along the way.
He enjoyed hunting, shooting, cutting wood, woodworking, and building anything.
He built his man cave in Marquette and enjoyed many good times with family and friends there.
He loved fishing, setting lines, camping, boating, golfing, the Kansas City Chiefs and K-State football games, cooking, grilling and smoking meat, cards (especially pitch), and games with family and friends involving competition and giving people his special “L” sign.
Spending time with family and friends was priceless to Kerry.
Kerry was ornery and full of life. He was a kid at heart and was all about fun. He also was a very loving and caring person with strong morals and values.
He would do anything for his family and friends, and nothing meant more to him than spending time with his loved ones.
If he ever gave you a hard time, you obviously were cool. There are too many stories to tell. Everyone who knew Kerry has a special memory of him. Who could forget his love of rock ’n’ roll music and air guitar solos?
Survivors include his wife, Lori Kelsey of Marion; son Jerry Kelsey (and wife Courtney) of Hutchinson; son Andy Kelsey (and wife Kathleen) of Marion; daughter Samantha Kelsey of Wichita; mother Sharon Kelsey of Marion; sister Kristine Hardisty of Salina; brother Michael Kelsey (and wife Jennifer) of Newton; grandchildren Jameson and Elliot Kelsey of Marion and Nox Kerry Kelsey and Grae Alexander Lee Kelsey of Hutchinson.