Robert Dean Kelly

Robert "Bob" D. Kelly, 81, of Albion, NE, passed away Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell, NE.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Loretto Methodist Church rural Albion, NE, with Rev. Lynde Linde officiating. Inurnment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Albion, NE. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Levander Funeral Home.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements. Memorial are suggested to the family for later designation.

Robert Dean Kelly, son of Gerald Ernest and Bernice Eva (Hall) Kelly was born on June 26, 1942 in Carroll, IA.  In 1949 he was baptized at the Church of Christ.  Bob attended school in Bayard, IA and then attended Universal Trades School in Omaha.

Bob was married to Marilyn McIntyre in 1963.  To this union David, Cindy, and Jason were born.  They lived in Omaha, then moved to Albion. The couple was later divorced.

In 1991 Bob married Doris D. Dawson, and gained a son, Ken.  Bob worked at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for 39 years.  He was a member of the NRA, Ducks Unlimited, Nebraska Wildlife Protectors Association, Director, and President of the NCOA. He was a member of the Loretto United Methodist Church serving as Chairman of the Ad Council for many years.

Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, frogging and being outdoors. He was an advocate for hunter safety, teaching many young hunters over the years. He served as a Nebraska Conservation Officer stationed in Boone County from 1969 until his retirement in 2008. Throughout his career, Bob was recognized for demonstrating an extremely high work ethic and an outstanding capability in wildlife law enforcement. He was an officer who had the knack to uncover wildlife violations and the knowledge and skill to bring the resulting investigations to a successful conclusion. He served on the Law Enforcement Division marketing committee which is directed toward enhancing Conservation Officer communications and cooperation with the hunters, fishermen, media and other government entities in the state. He loved his work and saw value in working with those who enjoy the natural resources that he and his fellow officers are dedicated to manage and protect. Bob received numerous accolades and awards over his tenure.

Bob is survived by his wife Doris in Grand Island, NE; daughter Cindy Gessert and friend Todd Noecker of Omaha, NE; Jason (Shawna) Kelly of Blue Springs, MO; step-son Ken (Corrine) Dawson of Ord, NE; Grandchildren: Skyler, Olivia, Neleigh, and Norah Gessert of Omaha, NE; Liam Kelly of Blue Springs, MO; Karyn (Cameron) Gross and their children Scarlett, Karaline, and Sophie of Seward, NE; Kurtis (Kylie) Dawson and children Krew and Kasen of  Newman Grove, NE; brother-in-law, Bill Reynoldson of Punta Gorda, FL; sister-in-law, Sherry Schumacher of Worland, WY; brother-in-law, Norm Reynoldson (Darlene) of Albion, NE, along with nieces, nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son David in 1963, and twin sisters Jean and Jane in 1943.