A funeral service for Larry Kelly, 86, will be held on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Estherville with Pastor Jackie Ziemer officiating. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the church. Military Honors will be provided by VFW Post 3388 and American Legion Post 91 of Estherville. Burial will take place at a later date at East Side Cemetery in Estherville.
Larry Leo Kelly, a man of steadfast character, generous spirit, and deep devotion to his family and community, was born on October 16, 1939, in Crawford County, Iowa. He passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He lived a life marked by hard work, quiet pride, and an enduring love for the people he held dear.
Larry was born to Ralph and Bernadine (Cook) Kelly and grew up in the heartland of Iowa alongside his siblings. He attended Wall Lake High School and graduated with the Class of 1958. A natural athlete, he distinguished himself as a state champion track athlete and a standout football player. Achievements that reflected both his determination and his competitive spirit. It was during those formative school years, in the seventh grade at a country school, that Larry first met a girl named Cynthia. He would later say she was the love of his life from the very beginning.
Upon graduating in 1958, Larry answered the call to serve his country and proudly enlisted in the United States Navy. He served with distinction from 1958 to 1962 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger, gaining experiences that shaped his character and deepened his sense of duty and honor, values he carried with him for the rest of his life.
In 1961, Larry married his childhood sweetheart, Cynthia Dreessen, beginning a partnership that would span 65 beautiful years. Together they built a life rooted in love, loyalty, and laughter. In 1966, the couple relocated to Estherville, Iowa, where they would put down permanent roots, raise their family, and become beloved members of the community.
Larry was a man who built things with his hands and with his handshake. For 25 years, he owned and operated the Central Barbershop in Estherville, a gathering place where neighbors became friends and conversations flowed as freely as good advice. His chair was never just a place for a haircut; it was a place where community was built, one customer at a time. In the next chapter of his professional life, Larry brought the same trustworthiness and people-first approach to a successful career as a Real Estate broker with Blum Leonard, a role he embraced for 30 years. His word was his bond, and his clients knew it.
Larry was also committed to service in his community. Serving as president of Kiwanis, a Cub Scout leader, and president of the board of Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Above all else, Larry was a devoted family man. He was the proud father of Nancy (Randy) Johnson and Phil (Trisha) Kelly, and took immeasurable pride in his grandchildren, Spencer (Hannah) Johnson and Alyssa (Jon) Heinzman, and in his six great-grandchildren, who were the crowning joy of his later years.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Bernadine Kelly, and by his beloved brothers, Don Kelly, Bill Kelly, and Danny Kelly.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia; his daughter, Nancy (Randy) Johnson; his son, Phil (Trisha) Kelly; his sisters, Sally Heinrichs, Peggy Cowlam, and Mary Stout; his grandchildren, Spencer (Hannah) Johnson and Alyssa (Jon) Heinzman; and his six great-grandchildren.
Larry Leo Kelly lived fully, loved deeply, and left behind a legacy that will be felt through every generation that follows. He will be forever missed and always remembered.
Online condolences for the family may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com. Henry-Olson Funeral Home of Estherville is assisting the family with arrangements.
