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Larry Dean Kelley, age 89, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
He was born on March 13, 1936 at Sturgis Memorial Hospital, the son of the late Harold and Lilah (Lowing) Kelley. A lifelong resident of Sturgis, Larry graduated with the Sturgis High School Class of 1954. On May 24, 1958, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Ruth Pueschel, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, beginning a marriage that spanned 67 years. Together, Larry and Marilyn enjoyed over 27 winters in Florida, creating countless memories with friends and family.
Larry devoted his working years to farming, first as co-owner and operator of Fairgrove Farms alongside his brothers-in-law David and John Pueschel. Later, he and his sons, Bob and Loren, established Kelley’s Greenacres Farms in Sturgis. He took great pride in the farm, working the land and carrying forward a legacy of agriculture for his family.
A man of faith, Larry was a longtime and active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, serving in many roles including multiple terms on the Church Council and the St. John’s Lutheran School Board. He also proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from February 2, 1955 to February 1, 1957, achieving the rank of SP3. During his service, he was an instructor in tank mechanics.
Larry was a 10-year 4-H member, a longtime Farm Bureau member, and an enthusiast of antique tractors. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; daughters, Debra (Phil) Spear of Fremont and Kristen (Rick) Oswald of White Pigeon; sons, Robert Kelley and Loren (Beth) Kelley, both of Sturgis; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren with another expected soon; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Bonnie Wheeler and Mary Jane Taylor; and brother, William R. Kelley.
In honoring Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 4, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1108 E. Lafayette St. in Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating Larry’s life will follow at 11:00 with Rev. Tim Johnson officiating. A graveside committal will be held at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis, where full military honors will be presented by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial donations may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church Building Fund, 1108 E. Lafayette St., Sturgis, MI 49091.
Relatives and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
