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Obituaries
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Monday, May 19, 2014
Kelsey, Mary E.
Mary E. Kelsey, 78, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Sunday, April 21, 2013, at Heritage Nursing and Rehab Center, following an extended illness. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 25, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories with the Rev. Bill Harnish presiding. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Mary was born May 30, 1934, in Cedar Rapids, to Frank and Florence (Wilson) Becicka. She graduated from McKinley High School in 1953. Mary married Lester Kelsey Sr. in Cedar Rapids. Mary was a member of the Cedar Rapids and Iowa Softball Hall of Fame. She loved spending time with her family, friends and the many kids who called her “Grandma.”
Mary is survived by four sons, Lester (Cathi) Kelsey Jr., Roger Kelsey, Michael Kelsey and Charlie (Stacy) Kelsey; three daughters, Florence Kelsey, Janice Davidson and Kathy (Ron) Mulnix; 17 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; spouse, Lester; son, Wayne; sister, Maxine Merta; brother, Frank Becicka; and two grandchildren, Dalton and Brittany.
A special thanks goes to St. Luke's Hospice, especially her nurse, Susan and Heritage Nursing and Rehab Center.
Memorial donations can be directed to the family.
Online condolences may be directed to under Obituaries.
Published in The Gazette April 23, 2013.