Bernard "Bernie" Lawrence Kelly Sr.

Bernard “Bernie” Lawrence Kelly, Sr., age 89 of Lander, WY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, after a short battle with cancer. He lived a life defined by faith, service, devotion, hard work, and unwavering love for those closest to him.

Bernie was born on December 18, 1936 in Merna, NE to Lawrence and Juanita (Stroud) Kelly, the oldest of seven children. As a farmer’s son, he learned responsibility, determination, and the value of hard work early in life. He attended a one room schoolhouse before leaving home as a young teenager to attend high school in Broken Bow, NE. While there, he worked setting pins at the local bowling alley, and bagging groceries at the Jack & Jill to pay for his room and board. Even then, he knew the value of a dollar, and kept meticulous track of every cent spent, planning early for his future.

After graduating from Sargent High School, he attended college at the University of Nebraska on a Regent Scholarship. There he met the love of his life, Karlynn “Connie” Bausch. They were joined in holy marriage on December 29, 1958 at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Falls City, NE. For their honeymoon, they traveled to Chicago, where they saw My Fair Lady, beginning a lifetime of adventures together. While life would take them to many remarkable places, they really enjoyed sharing their every day life together. Connie trying new recipes with Bernie as the willing tester, watching the deer in their backyard, and Sunday evenings sharing popcorn for supper while playing cards, they found great happiness just being with each other. He loved Connie faithfully throughout their 64 years of marriage, and he carried that love with him until his final breath.

Bernie proudly served in the United States Air Force for 26 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1984. He took great pride in his work as an auditor and comptroller, including serving as the comptroller for Air Force One. During his military career, he attended officer’s school and earned his Master’s degree from Michigan State University. His service took him and Connie to many places, including Alaska when it became a state, Thailand during the Vietnam War, Guam, California, Alabama, and beyond.

Family was one of the greatest joys in Bernie’s life. He was a devoted father to his sons, Larry and Mike, serving as a Boy Scout leader, taking them camping, and teaching them the practical skills, values and independence that would guide them through life. He adored his granddaughter Amanda and took great joy in watching her grow. Later, when great-grandchildren Jenny and Jacob were born, Bernie spent as much time with them as possible, attending every game, concert, and event he could. He treasured every moment shared with them, and they were blessed to have a close and lasting bond with their great-grandfather that few children are fortunate enough to know.

His love extended far beyond his immediate family. Bernie cared deeply for his nieces and nephews, taking pride in their accomplishments and making sure he was present for graduations, weddings, and reunions and milestones. “UB” was a constant and caring presence in their lives.

In 1984, Bernie and Connie began a new chapter in their lives by purchasing Big Sandy Lodge in Wyoming, where they created years of lasting memories for their family and guests until 1999. Many remember him there as the outdoorsman who loved horses, camping, fishing, canoeing, and enjoying all the wilderness had to offer. Big Sandy Lodge became a second home for many, and one of the greatest gifts that Bernie and Connie gave their family.

Bernie loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and trapping. He remained an avid elk hunter well into his 80s, going out with Troy and friends as many times as he could. He enjoyed fishing out on Boysen Reservoir with Connie and the great grandkids, trips to Hideout Resort with Larry, and time spent at Lucky Pond with Jacob. When the weather was nice, you would often see him going for a walk along the river at City Park, just enjoying nature.

As a devout Catholic, faith was the foundation of Bernie’s life. It guided the way he lived, loved, and treated others with kindness, patience, and compassion. Even in his final days, he remained steadfast in his beliefs and unwavering in his faith, facing death with peace and courage, ready to go home when the Lord called him. We take comfort in knowing that the faith which sustained him throughout his life now welcomes him home, reunited once more with his beloved Connie for the rest of eternity.

Bernie is survived by his sons Bernard “Larry” (Rita) Kelly Jr., and Mike (Mona) Kelly; grandchildren Amanda (Brice) Denevan, and Chevon Kelly; and great-grandchildren Jennifer “Annie” Neil, Jacob Denevan, Ava Cummings, and Alex Cummings. Siblings Bill (Bonnie) Kelly, Jerry Kelly, Joanne (Greg) Sadler. Brother-in-law Larry Bausch, sisters-in-law Beth Giffee, Deb Bausch, Valerie Kelly; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Connie; parents Lawrence and Juanita; siblings Carol Bilka, Larry Kelly and Duane Kelly; sisters-in-law Annette Baush, Sharon Kelly and Marilyn Kelly; and brothers-in-law Don Giffee and Lambert Bilka.

Service information will be posted soon.

Please sign the online guestbook at: hudsonsfh.com