Paul A. Kelly, age 74, of Dubuque, passed away at 2:35 a.m., on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Harmony Dubuque.  To honor Paul’s life private services were held.  Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street is assisting his family.

Paul was born on February 17, 1950, in Sioux City, IA, son of Robert and Betty (Gillis) Taft.

Paul graduated from high school, and after serving in the military was ordained in the Baptist Church in California.  He honorably served his country in both Korea and Vietnam with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines.  Paul was self employed for most of his working career.  He worked at Mayflower and helped people move, but his favorite job painting and installing flag poles.  He was always happiest when he was high up in the air working on a new project.  He married Diane Brokus on March 6, 2001, in Dubuque, and they made a wonderful life together.  In his free time, Paul enjoyed shooting pool and going fishing.  He was a great story-teller and loved spending time with his family, especially the grandkids.  Paul’s faith was extremely important to him, and he was a dedicated member of Old Paths Baptist Church.  Paul will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Those left to cherish Paul’s memory include

his wife,
Diane Kelly, Dubuque, IA;

his children,
Aaron (Amanda) Brokus, Olwein, IA,
Erica (Will) Billington, Clarksville, IA,
Ashley (Kohl) Lee, Indianapolis, IN,
Teasha McManigle, Dubuque, IA
and Cody McManigle, Dubuque, IA;

11 grandchildren,
Lar’iah, Gage, Sophia, Eli, Payton, Kingsley, Ashari, Ashton, Kohlani, Tyra and Trenton;

his children from a previous marriage,
Shane, Nick, Andrew and Becky;

and 3 sisters.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; and 2 brothers, Keith and Kenny.

Paul’s family would like to thank the staff at UnityPoint Health Finley Hospital, especially Sara; everyone at Tri-State Dialysis; his community at Old Paths Baptist Church; and his special friend from Bingo, Arlo Meiers.  Your care and companionship have meant the world to Paul.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com