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Obituaries Kathryn "Kay" LaVern Kelsey

By Teahen Funeral Home · August 6, 2026, 1:10 pm

Kathryn "Kay" LaVern Kelsey, 90, of Shellsburg, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the home of her daughter.

A private graveside service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery with Rev. Sean Smith officiating.

Kay is survived by her stepdaughter, Rose Kelsey of Shellsburg; stepson, Ray Kelsey; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives; and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James "Jim" Melvin Kelsey; Step-daughters, Ramona Dunlap, Roberta Kies, and Rhonda Kelsey; son, Michael Downing; sister, Audrey (Carl) Wright; son-in-law, Oscar Saffold; grandsons, Jamie Kies and Damon Saffold; great-grandsons, Justin Kelsey and Michael Kelsey; and her great-nephew, Terry Van Dee.

Kay was born on June 28, 1936, in What Cheer, the daughter of Ardry Harrison Fairchild and Florence LaVern Garrett Fairchild.

She married James "Jim" Melvin Kelsey on November 30, 1963, in Cedar Rapids. Jim preceded her in death on August 20, 2010.

A devoted homemaker, Kay's strong work ethic began at an early age when she started working in her mother's restaurant at just 12 years old. She took great pride in caring for her home and family throughout her life. Kay enjoyed playing cards, watching comedy and mystery movies, researching the nutritional value of foods and their effects on disease, spending time outdoors, fishing, traveling, and caring for her beloved cats and dogs. She had a curious mind, appreciated life's simple pleasures, and especially treasured time spent with those she loved.

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