Patrick Reed Kelly

Pat is survived by his daughter, Susan Kelly-Kliebert (Kevin) and his son Patrick Kelly (Grace); 6 beautiful grandchildren Patrick (Nikki), David (Crystina), Sadie, and Sydney Kelly and Katie and Brooke Kliebert; 2 great-grandchildren Parker and Emma Kelly; a brother Jerry Kelly (Cheryl), a sister Mary Kay McEvoy-Smith (Phillip); ex-sisters/brothers-in-law Doris (Rudy), Linda (Ollie), Ellen (Roland), Ute, Jutta, and Jurgan and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Marvel, his brother, Philip Kelly, Jr. (Mary Ann), sister Lynn St. Amant (late brother-in-law Clyde), his late ex-father and mother-in-law, Otto and Hildegard Steurer and his daughter-in-law, Lori Van Kregten-Kelly.

In 1963, Pat enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He met his future wife, the late Helga Steurer, at the October Fest in 1965. His future father-in-law, Otto, was a POW during WWII & was detained in the U.S. Otto decided to host a few American soldiers for Christmas dinner that year in Germany and as fate would have it, Pat was a guest. Pat and Helga married in 1966 and had 2 children; Pat & Susan. Pat left the Army for a time, re-enlisted and then began his committed military career that spanned over 20 years.

Pat was stationed in Vietnam during his career, and he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Bronze Star Medal (10LC), Overseas Service Bar, Army Commendation Medal (10LC), driver mechanic badge with bar, Good Conduct Medal (5 awards) and Defense Mertirious Service Medal.

Pat drove for several U.S. Army Generals, including the late Major General Herbert E. Wolff, for which his service began in Germany, and ended after he followed General Wolff to Hawaii. Pat was stationed in Germany, Texas, Hawaii and his last post was Naples, Italy where he was responsible for NATO’s AFSOUTH Motorpool. In 1984, he retired and returned to his hometown, New Orleans, and began civilian life reconnecting with his parents and family and began working in the Hospitality and later in the Heavy Construction industry.

Pat was blessed to live an amazing life traveling the world while serving his country. He was able to enjoy time with his family, children, grandchildren, many amazing friends and beautiful partners over the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 1:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Leitz-Eagan, 4747 Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie.