John Leo Kelley, age 78, of Dubuque, IA, completed his earthly journey suddenly on February 25, 2026.  To honor John’s life, a private family burial will be held at a later date.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving John’s family.

John was born on March 2, 1947, in Dubuque, IA, one of six children to Joseph George and Virginia Rose (Meyer) Kelley, Sr.  He was a kind and humble-hearted soul who also possessed the innate ability to fix anything you put in front of him.  He spent the majority of his working years helping at the family business, Microlite Chrome Furniture, and even spent a few years sharing his skills and time with the Brass and Utility Company in Tampa, FL.  John was talented in so many aspects of life that everywhere he went, he became a blessing to those around him.  He spent the majority of his years in the Dubuque area, but moving to Florida to be close to his Mom and Brother was time that he truly enjoyed while being away from home.

John enjoyed spending time on his bike as well, but not to be simply a rider, he also helped many of the neighborhood kids fix their bikes when problems arose.  He was generous to a fault and only wanted to make life better for those around him when possible.  John was also a very talented woodworker and many of his pieces and craftmanship remain behind today to help comfort the broken hearts of all who knew and loved him.  Thank you, John, for living your life as best you were able and sharing yourself with so many in your path along the way.  May peace be yours now as we face your sudden absence from our daily lives and may the Lord keep you safe and secure in His loving arms until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of John include,

his five siblings,
Joseph George (Jeanne) Kelley, Jr., Brookfield, WI,
James Stanley (Helen) Kelley, Houston, TX,
Patricia Sue (William) Gibbs, Dubuque, IA,
Jay Michael (Dee) Kelley, Pascagoula, MS,
and Jared Paul (Sandy) Kelley, Goodland, FL;

along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

Online condolences may be shared with John’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com