Layne W. Kelley Obituary (1960

Layne Warren Kelley, 65, of Menomonie, WI, passed away unexpectedly on November 12, 2025. Layne is survived by his wife, Leigh Ann; his first wife, Rochelle (Martell) Kelley; and their three children: Garrett Kelley (wife Kelley), Tasia Edwards (husband Chad), and Elijah Kelley (fiancé Kelsey). He was a proud grandfather to Rosie, Liam, Ollie, Brody, Jaxson, and Callahan. Survived by his brother Wayne Kelley, sisters Jean Straus (husband Dennis), DonnaLynn Erickson, Janet Devine (husband JD) and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Layne is also survived by his stepchildren Nicole Shane (husband Ryan) and Tyler Graetz (wife Jess), as well as his step-grandchildren Rory, Jameson, Adia, Briggs and Ivy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren Glenn Kelley and Mary Ann Kelley, his sister-in-law Nita Kelley, and his brother-in-law George Erickson. Layne loved sports his entire life. He played football and competed in track and field at St. Cloud Tech High School, later continuing his athletic career at St. Cloud State University. His coaches recognized his potential early on and brought out the best in him throughout his college years. Layne was also an avid bodybuilder and carried his passion for fitness throughout his life, remaining dedicated to working out even in his later years. In his free time, Layne enjoyed golfing and watching hockey games. He took pride in helping his daughter keep her lawn perfectly maintained—every blade of grass cut just the way he liked it. He was a devoted husband to Leigh Ann and a loving “Papa” to his grandchildren, who affectionately called him “Orange Papa” because of the bright orange vest he wore so often. After retirement, Layne dreamed of traveling with Leigh Ann in their camper—his “home away from home.” Together they planned to visit Florida, the Redwood Forest, Niagara Falls, and Glacier National Park. He also looked forward to spending the warmer months back at their campground in Cumberland, Wisconsin, enjoying retired life with Leigh Ann and taking the grandkids fishing. Layne had a big heart in every sense, and he will be deeply and forever missed by all who loved him. A Celebration of Life will be held in Spring 2026. Details will be announced at a later date.