Kenneth "Bud" Lee O'Kelly

Kenneth “Bud” O’Kelly, 85, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. until the service time. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Bud was born on December 4, 1940, in Cedar Rapids, the son of DeVer and Marie (Larsen) O’Kelly. A proud 1959 graduate of Marion High School, Bud spent his life working hard and living fully, never meeting a stranger for long. He was known for his cuttingly sarcastic wit and spirited personality. His keen sense of humor allowed him to make friendships wherever he went. He was a devoted Iowa Hawkeye fan. Bud’s love of the outdoors drew him to camping at "Bobbers" campground in Coralville, Iowa. He also found joy in golfing, bowling, playing cards, and was an excellent pool player.

Bud is survived and lovingly remembered by his three sons, Chad O’Kelly of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Jay (Roberta) O’Kelly of Kansas City, Missouri, and Kasey O’Kelly of Iowa City; significant other, Connie Fillmore of Marion; four grandchildren, Joseph O’Kelly of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Alice O’Kelly of Kansas City, Koby O’Kelly of Muscatine, Iowa, and Kory O’Kelly of Midland, Texas; and sister, Barbara (Fred) Brown of Decorah, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Anna Clark.