Dorrance Kedley

Dorrance Kedley, 98, of DeWitt, entered into eternal life Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Wheatland Manor.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in DeWitt, beginning with the Rosary at 8:30 a.m., followed by visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in DeWitt. The Rev. Fr. Mike Snyder and the Rev. Fr. David Ambrosy officiating.

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J. Dorrance Kedley was born August 29, 1927, to Harry B. and Margaret A. (Curtis) Kedley in Monmouth, Iowa – a true son of the Greatest Generation. The youngest of 6 children, Dorrance graduated from St. Joseph High School in DeWitt in 1944. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict Era, as Sergeant in the 10th and 37th Infantry Division Military Police.  Before heading off to the service, he found solace in summers on his parents’ farm with his niece and nephews, Anne, Nic, and Tom Gindorff. On April 30, 1955, he was united in marriage to Therese Bousselot at St Anne’s Church, Welton.

Together, Dorrance and Therese farmed in DeWitt for over 42 years.  He took meticulous pride in his farm, hog and grain operation, pouring the same care into his land as he did into his family. His faith and family were his most cherished blessings and greatest joy. A lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt, Dorrance believed deeply in the power of prayer and carried an unwavering faith throughout his life. His Irish Catholic heritage was a source of great pride. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Eugene McManus American Legion Post #238, DeWitt. In 2016, he had the honor of traveling to Washington D.C. on the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, and in 2017, received a Quilt of Valor in recognition of his service. Dorrance served on the DeWitt United Manor Board for 22 years.

Dorrance’s life was built on deep faith, commitment to his family, and a work ethic that never waivered. He lived with a compassionate strength, empathetic heart, and a commitment to always doing right by others.  He led by example, and his actions spoke volumes. He would be genuinely amazed to know the lasting impression he left on so many lives.

He and Therese treasured their years of family gatherings, celebrating with dear friends, plenty of laughter, good stories, and a cocktail or two. In his later years, he found particular joy in reminiscing – returning again and again to the memories that mattered most.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Therese. Those left to honor his memory include children Jean Cooper of Cedar Rapids, Thomas (Junko) Kedley of Black Diamond, Washington, Gregory (Susan) Kedley of Peosta, Jeralyn Kedley of Cedar Rapids, Luanne (Dale) Schwach of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Andrea Drew, Renae (Bryan) Petersen, Jill (Michael) Rooney, Tyler (Alyssa) Kedley, Kayla Parker, Logan (Nikola) Kedley, Riley Kedley, Kyle Kedley, Brett (Aly) Kedley, Allison (Ryan) Schwach, and Jenna (Ian) McElree; and great-grandchildren, Cooper Drew, Cade and Miles Petersen, Mason and Bennett Rooney, Penelope Parker, Jagoda Kedley, Hailey Harms and Kohen and Nova Kedley; sisters-in-law, Madonna (Merlin “Bud”) Portz, and Patricia (Jack) Bousselot; and many wonderful, loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Margaret Kedley, in-laws Elmer and Gertrude Bousselot, son-in-law Stan Cooper, grandson-in-law Casey Drew, sister and brother-in-law Lucille (Charles “Chic”) Gindorff, sister Marcella Kedley, brothers, Harold (Margaret) Kedley, Loras (Mary “Mae”) Kedley, and Leo (Jane) Kedley.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all employees of Wheatland Manor for their kindness and compassion shown to “DJ”. Also, special thanks to Fr. Mike Snyder, Fr. Dave Ambrosy, Sister Janet Heiar SSND, and Pat and Peggy Kedley for nurturing Dorrance’s spiritual journey during his time at the Manor. A heartfelt thank you, as well, to his many faithful visitors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. Joseph Church Foundation, DeWitt, or DeWitt Referral Center.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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