Ed Kelly

(From All Faiths Funeral Home)

Edward “Ed” Joseph Kelly II, 80, of Grand Island, Nebraska, passed away on July 3, 2025 at Grand Island Lakeview Rehabilitation and Care Center. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, July 10th at 2 pm at All Faiths Funeral Home, with Dan Naranjo officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be held at 1pm, one hour prior to the service.

Ed was born on July 6, 1944 in Queens, NY, to Edward and Ruth (Meaders) Kelly. He was raised and received his education in Grand Island, graduating from Grand Island Central Catholic High School with the class of 1963. During high school Ed played football, and was very active in the drama department.

On September 5, 1964, Ed was united in marriage to Rita Powell. The couple spent most of their lives in Joplin, MO, where they owned a drive-in theater and skating rink. In the fall of 2024, the couple returned to Grand Island, NE. 

In his spare time, Ed could be found pursuing his love of fishing and cars. Ed also devoted his time as a member of Park Plaza Christian Church in Joplin. Ed was full of life, talked with everyone he met and was always a man of God.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Edward Kelly III, Wally Kelly, Wally Kelly Jr., Kim Downs, and many grandchildren, along with his sisters, Pat Kelly of Lakewood, FL and Kathleen Jorgensen of San Antonio, TX, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rita, his son, Steve Kelly, and his sister, Brigitte Kelly. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.