It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Ronald R. Kelley, age 81, who departed this life on March 19, 2026 at his home after a brief illness. Ron was a cherished husband, father, brother, friend whose warmth, kindness, and generosity touched the lives of everyone he met. Born on January 10, 1945 to Robert Burdett and Edith Agnes Poggemiller Kelley. Ron lived a life full of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
He married the love of his life, Barbara J. Dochterman, on May 15, 1999 at the log cabin overlooking the Mississippi river in Crapo Park.
For 50 years he owned Kelley Real Estate DBA Diamond Realty and was very active in the real estate profession. He was 3-time president of the Burlington Board of Realtors and vice president of the State Board, Real Estate Appraiser for 30 years. Ron owned and operated Kelley Construction, overseeing four subdivisions located in the city of Burlington and the surrounding area. He was also responsible for the High School construction program.
He was an avid fisherman and loved adventures with his wife traveling in the tear drop camper from Maine, Washington, Canada and States in between. They volunteered winters at the state parks in Florida from the Keys, Jupiter and Daytona. Parking the 5th wheel with unbelievable precision. They loved to dance and met several friends that they will cherish. Dominos was his most recent passion for playing weekly with friends and family.
He joined the navy in 1966-68 as a critical rate construction battalion as Navy Seebee station in Vietnam Da Nang Driving semi-trucks to Quang Tri Base that was under construction earning the Bronze Star. He was a Chaplains Aid and contributed to the military publication "Stars and Stripes"
He joined Harmony Bible Church in July of 2015 and was involved in several bible studies, always ready to spread the love of Jesus.
He will be deeply missed by his wife Barbara; sister Barbara Ann (Bill) Meier of Poplar Grove, Il; son, Tim (Riza) Hammerschmitt of Casper, WY; grandchild, Ian (Bailey) Hammerschmitt, Sean Hammerschmitt, and Briana Hammerschmitt, all of Casper, WY; three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Along with bonus sons, Matthew (Jenna) Amenell of Burlington, and Christopher (Jennifer) Amenell of Geneva, IL; daughter by choice, Trish (Rick) Osborne of Oakville, IA; six bonus grandchildren; and one great grandchild; numerous friends; and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday, March 27, 2026 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The memorial service for Mr. Kelley will be 7:00 pm Friday, March 27, 2026, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street with Pastor Danny Dingus officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard.
We would like to thank you all for the prayers and support. A special thank you to the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House for the care that guided us through the difficult journey.
May he rest in peace and may the perpetual light shine upon him.