He was born February 26, 1957, in Gering, NE, the middle child of Dallas and Caroline (Schmick) Knotts. Kelly attended Gering schools and graduated from Gering High School in 1975. He met the love of his life Tammy Grasmick in High School at the age of 16 and her 15. They were married September 25, 1976, and to this love affair were born two beautiful children Amber and Chad.
Kelly earned his Eagle Scout and God and Country medals attending many life-changing Boy Scout camps and activities. Kelly farmed the first few years of his marriage with the Grasmick Family Farms before moving on to adult beverage sales and distribution. He then followed in his father’s footsteps and entered the family flooring installation business until retirement.
Kelly was a member and leader of the North Platte Valley Boat Club serving on the board as Commodore and Board Member for too many years to count. The lake was his true home, in 1997, Kelly and Tammy moved permanently to the lake in the home that he built.
He was a man of many talents and connections, making friends everywhere he went. Anyone could call on Kelly at any time for help on projects or creative thinking, he was truly loved by friends and family.
Kelly is survived by wife Tammy, daughter Amber (Josh) Potts, son Chad (Mia) Knotts, grandchildren Caymon Knotts, Addison Potts, McKinley Knotts, Taryn Potts, great-granddaughter June Knotts, mother Caroline Knotts, mother-in-law Shirley Harimon, sisters Ronetta (Rod) Green and Vivian Knotts, sister-in-law Candace Lord (Jeff Fletcher), brother-in-law Steve (Lori) Grasmick, along with many extended family members. Kelly was preceded in death by his father Dallas, father-in-law Melvin Grasmick, and father-in-law Conrad (Blackie) Harimon.
In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Kelly Knotts Memorial Foundation where donations can be made to assist local Boy Scouts with scouting activities. Contributions or donations may be mailed to: Amber Potts, 1008 Alyssa Way, Cheyenne WY 82009.
As per Kelly’s wishes cremation has occurred and memorial services will be held on Monday, September 25, 2023, at 10:30 am at Gering Zion Church, 1100 O Street in Gering. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
