Kelly Wayne Blunt, age 71, of Oskaloosa, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2023, at the MHP Serenity Hospice House in Oskaloosa surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 24, 1952, in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Lola (Cotter) Blunt. He attended Terril Community High School and graduated with the Class of 1970. On August 28, 1971, he was united in marriage to Debbie Umscheid at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Milford, Iowa.
After high school, Kelly was employed at Ibberson for 3 summers. He later earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Iowa State University in 1974. He began teaching in Oskaloosa in the Fall of 1974 and earned his Masters Degree later that year while still continuing to teach. Kelly taught welding for 16 years and math at the Oskaloosa Middle School for 10 years. He then went on to teach Industrial Tech until retiring in 2007. After retirement, he helped with Drivers Ed with his friend, Rob Campbell. He coached football, wrestling and track. Kelly was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Oskaloosa, the Knights of Columbus and he volunteered at the Ecumenical Cupboard. He enjoyed welding cars, spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events.
Kelly is survived by his wife, Debbie Blunt of Oskaloosa, his children, Jason (Julia) Blunt of Ottumwa, Shawn Blunt of Oskaloosa and Joshua (Robin) Blunt of Iowa City; his grandchildren, Justine (Cody) Klendworth, Jarrett Blunt, Jacob Blunt, Charlie Biggs, Abby Robbins, Sienna Blunt, Arianna Blunt, Elliana Blunt and Raylen Blunt; his great grandchild, Ellie Mae Klendworth; his mother, Lola Blunt and his siblings, Phillip (Judy) Blunt of Lubbock, Texas, Janice (Ken) Kelsey of Montrose, Colorado and Linda Blunt of Pueblo, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Alvin Blunt.
Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Oskaloosa with Father Troy Richmond officiating. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Oskaloosa following the services. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Bates Funeral Chapel with the family present from 4—7 p.m. to greet friends and relatives Tuesday evening. A Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. at the funeral chapel. Memorials may be designated to MHP Serenity Hospice House or the Knights of Columbus.
The family requests that if you ever played for Coach Blunt and you still have a jersey to please wear it to the funeral or visitation
