Dale Edward Kelly

Dale Edward Kelly, 92, of Tucson, AZ formerly of Elkhart, IN passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Northwest Medical Center in Tucson. Dale was born on June 2, 1930 in New London, IN to Charles and Laura Kelly. He married the love of his life, Ramona Clem, on September 27, 1953 in Delphi, IN.

Dale was graduated from Cutler (IN) High School. He honorably served his country in the United States Army. He graduated from Purdue University (BA) and Western Michigan University (MA) where he earned his education degrees. He retired after 31 years as a physical education teacher at Concord High School, where he coached several sports before settling on cross country, gymnastics, and track and field.  He implemented Indiana’s first 4-year P.E. program and introduced physiology, anatomy, and kinesiology into the curriculum.  In one stretch. his gymnastics teams went to state 7 years in a row, finishing 1st three times in a row and second the other times. He founded the Concord Relays in 1971 it was later renamed the Kelly Relays after he retired from coaching.  He was a charter inductee into the Concord High School Athletic Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Elkhart County Athletic Hall of Fame as he had approximately 534 wins under his coaching supervision career as of 1988. He was a member at Faith United Methodist Church in Goshen and Indiana State Teachers Association.

Dale is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ramona; their children Michael (Claire) Kelly of Lake In The Hills, IL, and Kathy Kelly of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren include Jordan Kathleen Kelly, Brian (and Rachel) Kelly, Elizabeth (Andrew) Loy and Patrick Kelly; great grandchildren Shealyn Banas, Saoirse Banas, Sibeal Banas, Ruarc Banas, and Marius Loy. Dale was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Laura Kelly, sons Edward (Barbara) Kelly and Richard (Lori) Kelly and his siblings Glen Kelly, Gladys Johnson, Max Kelly, Kenneth Kelly, Martha Wilson, Donald Kelly, and Thelma Morris.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Faith United Methodist Church, 22045 CR 18, Goshen, IN 46528 where visitation will be  from 1-2:30 at the church. Pastor John Hoggsett will officiate. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone, Blvd, Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the Kelly family. Dale was laid to rest at Ball Hill Cemetery in Cutler, IN  Online condolences may be made to the Kelly family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

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