Jay Kell

Jay Kell, 81, a resident of the Iowa Veterans Home, died there Saturday, February 2, 2013. Memorial services and a celebration of Jays life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2013, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home. Visitation for Jay will be held from 9:30 a.m. until time of memorial service. A luncheon will follow services at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home Reception Room. A private family burial will take place at a later date. Jay was born at home in Grundy County to Orville and Ethel (Mast) Kell on November 16, 1931. He was educated and graduated from the Conrad High School in 1949. He attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids for two years and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. He met and married Maribeth Martin and to this union four daughters were born. Kathy Splan of Fresno, California, Janie Cregan of Endicott, New York, Laurie Johnson of Endicott, New York, Peggy Hinkle of Oregon. Following his honorable discharge from the United States Marines, Jay went on to finish his degree and graduated from San Diego State University. He was in the banking business in Los Angeles for over fifty years and was Senior Vice President at First Los Angeles Bank.He loved having a good time and pulled many practical jokes. He will be remembered by many on St. Patricks Day when he would put on his green leprechaun suit, dye his hair green and hand out green carnations to friends and shut-ins. He enjoyed all sporting events and spent many winter days watching football and basketball games. He was an avid flower gardener and always had a beautiful flower garden. He was active in the Beaman American Legion and was the current commander.Jay is survived by his sister Joyce (Kell) Mr. Ed Hughes of Marshalltown, his four daughters: Kathy Splan, Janie Cregan, Laurie & Randy Johnson, Peggy & Trey Hinkle. His grandchildren: Jenna Cregan, Jake & Sam Johnson, Jayana & Donovanne Hinkle and several nieces and nephews.Jay was preceded in death by his parents his sisters: Joan Whitaker and Jean Ewoldt and his son-in-law James Splan.