Kary W. Keleher

Kary W. Keleher, 55, of Champaign, passed away on July 26, 2023 at 4:23 pm.

There will be a public visitation on Wednesday, August 2 from 9-10:30 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Ivesdale. The law enforcement walk-through will take place from 10:30-11:30 at the church. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:30 am at the church. Burial will immediately follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Ivesdale and military rites will be accorded. 

Kary was preceded in death by his mother, Brenda Kay VanMeter, his father-in-law, Thomas Tracy, Sr. and his brother-in-law, Thomas Tracy, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Holly; his son, Torry Keleher; his father, Torrence Keleher (Judy); a stepsister, Jayne Lynn Deskeere(Terry), and 3 half-sisters, Kim Percycoe-Herndon, Kelly Elliot and Khristine Thompson.

He was also blessed with 1 very beautiful niece, Aaliyah Thompson and 5 nephews, Lester Appenzeller (Kelli), Jacob Appenzeller (Matricia), Tim Appenzeller (Laura), Kary Herndon (Avery) and David Lee McCollum.

Mr. Keleher retired from the Urbana Police Department as a Sergeant in 2019, after 21 years of service. Kary was also a veteran of the US Marine Corps and honorably served 6 years during Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

While at Urbana Police Department, Kary served several years on the METRO SWAT Team, was an FTO instructor to over 25 UPD officers, served on the first Street Crimes Unit and was a beloved friend and mentor to many.

Kary found much joy in traveling with his wife, Holly; spending quality time with his son, especially while rooting for Notre Dame; golfing with dear friends; watching movies, his favorite being 'The Warriors'. He particularly enjoyed visiting the places featured on the TV show  'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

 

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