Robert M. Kelsey, son of Herbert Clement and Addie (Ross) Kelsey was born July 7, 1923 in Cameron, Missouri. He passed away on December 28, 2006 at the Golden Living Center in Sidney, Nebraska. He was 83 years old. Robert graduated from Cameron High School in 1941, and worked in a defense plant machining parts for aircraft wings. He entered the Air Force and served on Iwo Jima in the Pacific as an Armament Specialist until the end of the war. After the war Robert moved to Shenandoah, Iowa and worked as a photographer at Stern Studios. Robert was united in marriage to Nadine Thomas on May 21, 1947 in Shenandoah. To the union was born one son, Kent T. Kelsey. Robert and Nadine were married for over 56 years. Robert then attended Metropolitan Technical Community College in Omaha, NE and received a degree in Refrigeration Technology. He worked for many years in Omaha for Carrier Corporation and various distributors of air conditioning and heating equipment as a sales engineer. Robert taught classes in refrigeration, boiler operation and related subjects for many years at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, IA. After retiring, he operated an air conditioning and heating service business until 2003. Robert enjoyed photography and had a passion for airplanes. He enjoyed working on machinery and inventing things.

Preceding Robert in death were his parents, his wife Nadine, and his siblings. Survivors include his son and daughter in law, Kent and Betsy Kelsey, their son, Scott, all of Sidney, NE, numerous nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held on Friday, January 5, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at the Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home in Shenandoah. Words of comfort were given by the Rev. Jim Gubser. Special music was "How Great Thou Art". Attending the memory register was Beth Bengtson. Casket bearers were Andy Henderson, Richard Haigwood, Marlin Tillman, James Nye and Dale Jones. Military rites were accorded by the American Legion Post #88 Honor Guard of Shenandoah. Interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah. Memorials are being directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.