Gary Russell Kelley, 81, of Cedar Falls died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Gary, son of the late Russell and Ann Kelley, was born in Algona, Iowa, on February 6, 1945 (the same date as his music icon, Bob Marley). As a child, Gary learned to draw from his Uncle Gene, honing his craft by painting pictures of his dog, Duke, creating his own “Cowboys and Indians” comics, and contributing drawings to various school publications. In 1963, the University of Northern Iowa took notice and offered him a scholarship...a football scholarship. After a year on the gridiron, he made the wise choice to protect his hands and focus solely on his art. He graduated from UNI in 1968 with a degree in Graphic Design.

In 1964, Gary met his beloved Linda at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. They married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on July 12, 1969.

Gary’s career as an artist ran the gamut from his Adventures of Sausage Man comics for Rath Packing in the ‘60s to two NFL Super Bowl posters in the ‘90s to his US postage stamps issued just this month. But he might be best known for his Barnes & Noble author murals across the country. Gary illustrated over 30 picture books and has won 29 medals from the New York Society of Illustrators as well as countless other awards. He was inducted into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame and the UNI Athletics Hall of Fame. (And at this moment, is likely looking down from Heaven, embarrassed by the attention and the accolades.)

Teaching and mentoring art students was also a passion of Gary’s. And he has most certainly left his pastel dust thumbprint on the lives of his many former students. In the later years, he hosted annual trips with Humble Travel to encourage the appreciation of art for those eager to learn. One of Gary’s greatest gifts was his generosity with his time and art, always willing to donate for causes close to his heart.

Gary was more than an artist; he was an outstanding dad and husband. Whether he was trekking his kids across the state to swim meets, building Lego skyscrapers with his son or taking his daughter to see Public Enemy in 10th grade (How many dads would do that??), he was always present and he was always interested. Gary’s love and appreciation for his wife lasted over 56 years, despite the fact that she accidentally rolled his Corvette into a parked car a year after they were married.

Gary’s many interests included the Chicago Bears, UNI Panther athletics, Iowa Public Radio, using paper maps on road trips, the Sunday New York Times, and his daily jaunt down Main Street to Cup of Joe for a Diet Coke and a cookie. Gary cherished the time he had with his friends.

Gary is survived by his wife, Linda; two children, Cydney and Kyle (Mackenzie); granddaughter, Estelle; and sister, Debbie.

His body may be gone, but the kindness and generosity Gary brought to this world will live on forever in his art.

Gary's visitation will be held from 5pm-8pm, Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Dahl-Van Hove Funeral Home in Cedar Falls, with a Rosary service starting at 4:30pm. Mass will be held at 10am, Thursday, April 23, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cedar Falls with visitation an hour prior. Please join the family for lunch following Mass in the church gymnasium where you'll have an opportunity to share memories of Gary. A private inurnment will follow lunch at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hearst Center for the Arts (304 W. Seerley Blvd, Cedar Falls, IA 50613) in Gary's memory, to support the naming of a gallery in his honor. Donations can be made in person or online through the Cedar Falls Community Foundation’s dedicated Hearst Center Expansion fund. Please note 'Gary Kelley Gallery Fund' in the memo or additional notes line.

In addition to Gary’s funeral services, a screening of the Gary Kelley Documentary will take place at the Hearst Center for the Arts on June 25, 2026, from 6-8pm.

Please visit www.dahlfuneralhome.com to share condolences with the family.