RAPID CITY- Willis L. "Willie" Kelsey, 85, died Monday, December 19, 2016 at a local nursing home.

Willie was born on August 29, 1931 to Willis W. and Ellen A. (Reinhold) Kelsey. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1950. Willie enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Dec. 1950. He was honorably discharged Oct. 1954.

He married Freda Meade on March 15, 1955 in Rapid City. Willie had a 30 year career with Peter Kiewit & Sons. He was known as "Mr. Clean."

Willie was an avid race fan and traveled to Knoxville, IA many times. He was well organized, friendly and extremely efficient.

He is survived by his wife, Freda, Rapid City; sister, Patsy Secrest, Sheridan, WY; nieces and nephews:  Patty (Greg) Pattison and Nancy (Dan) Hanson; Susan (Jim) Andrews, Jerry Copp, Jeanie (Red) Hutchings, Jeffrey (Shelly) Garrett, Kathy (Jim)  Elwood, and Chipper Copp.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 23, 2016 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home with Chaplain (Ret.) Herb B. Cleveland officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to services.

Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis with full military honors rendered by the VFW Post 1273 and the US Navy Honor Guard.