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John Mark Kelley, Sr., 67, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Thursday, August 22, 2024 in the comfort of his family’s presence.

His life began November 20, 1956 in Smithville, Missouri, the youngest of three sons born to Benjamin and Mary Kelley, Sr. He married Mary Gretchen Connelly Stratman January 6, 1996 in Jacksonville, Arkansas.

John loved his family and he loved helping others, including doing taxes through the Cass County Council on Aging. He served as treasurer of Cassopolis United Methodist Church. John loved meeting new people. He enjoyed classic rock and being introduced to new music. John loved to grill and his family said he was “getting better.”

John will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of twenty-eight years, Mary Gretchen Kelley of Cassopolis; one daughter, Renee (Chris) Archer of Pleasant Plains, Arkansas; two sons, James (Robbie) Stratman, Jr. of Bella Vista, Arkansas, John Mark Kelley, Jr. of Pleasant Plains; ten grandchildren; one brand new great grandson; two brothers, Ben F. Kelley, Jr. of Montgomery, Alabama, Bruce (Peggy) Kelley of Batesville, Arkansas; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Benjamin Franklin Kelley, Sr.

Family and friends will gather Monday, August 26, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis, concluding with a Masonic Service under the auspices of Peninsular Lodge Number 10 F. & A.M.

The funeral service will be Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home with additional calling beginning at 1:00 p.m. John will be laid to rest in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Cassopolis.

The family prefers contributions in memory of John be made to either Cassopolis United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 175, 209 South Rowland Street, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031, or Sam Adams Elementary School Backpack Program, in care of Michigan Gateway Foundation, 111 Days Avenue, Buchanan, Michigan 49107, Attention: Backpack Program.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.