Larry Kelchen Sr. 62 of Cedar Rapids died Saturday September 18, 2004 at Living Center West following a long courageous battle with brain cancer. Larry was born February 23, 1942, the son of Aloyious and Leona (Crowley) Kelchen in Hopkinton, Iowa. On February 14, 1991, he married Betsy Madsen. Larry worked as a police officer for 14 1/2 years, a security manager for Armstrong's for 20 years and recently retired from Randy's Carpets. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Eagles Club. He enjoyed playing cards, golfing, telling jokes, fishing, camping and spending time with his family and friends. Larry loved life.

Survivors include his wife Betsy: two daughters, Michelle (Leroy) Hatfield of Tampa, Florida, Marcia (Scott) Goodell of Cedar Rapids: a daughter-in-law, Brenda Kelchen of Cedar Rapids; his stepchildren, Bill (Tracy) Reed of Marion, Lisa (Scott) Zahren of South Amana, David (Suzanne) Reed of Marion, Susan Reed and husband Duane Harste of Cedar Rapids, Kevin (Tina) Schoner of Cedar Rapids and Kerry (Scott) Arehart of Chandler, Arizona; his mother and step-father, Leona Kelchen Bruce and husband Frank; his grandchildren, Dustin, Dawn, Andy, Austin, Zachary, Cody, Rachel, Kyler, Ethan, Taylor, Ian, Leah, Ashley, Abbey and Brenna; his brothers and sisters Allen (Harriet) Kelchen of New Providence, Pennsylvania, Theresa Dullea of Springville, Bill (Delores) Kelchen of Strawberry Point, Betty Pauly of Anamosa, Phillip (Virginia) Kelchen of Monticello, Lee Kelchen of Mount Vernon, John (Mary) Kelchen of Robins, Ruth (Dick) Pasker of Central City, Charlie (Vicki) Kelchen of Monticello, and Steve Kelchen of Center Junction; two step-sisters, Mary Eleanor Gressle and Catherine (Joe) Matthew, all of Michigan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Aloyious; a son, Larry Jr.; a brother, Robert; a sister, Rita; four brothers-in-law, and a nephew, Roger Pasker.