Kelly O. Schlake 60, of Atlantic, Iowa died Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Iowa Methodist Medical in Des Moines, Iowa after a short battle with cancer and covid complications.
Kelly was born on May 31, 1960 in Fremont, Nebraska, the son of Henry and Fern (Schmoldt) Schlake. He graduated from Atlantic High School in 1978. Kelly married his soulmate, Carol Andersen on April 5, 1980. They recently celebrated 40 wonderful years together. Their favorite pastimes included watching the sunsets in Okoboji, traveling in the fall and cruisin’ in the Mustang Carol bought him for his 60th birthday.
At the young age of 18, Kelly began his lifelong career with NAPA, later purchasing Atlantic Motor Supply in 1998. Many members of the community simply knew him as the “NAPA Guy” and he was an absolute staple in his hometown, that he was so proud of. Kelly found friendships in the many people who always supported his business, and he had long lasting relationships with those who he has worked with over the years. He would always stress the importance of being involved in the community and would always give back. You could always count on Kelly to volunteer, donate, support multiple local organizations and he would always purchase far too much from a young child during a school or club fundraiser. He found joy in helping others however he could.
Those who encountered Kelly were sure to be entertained. He had a dry sense of humor, and an ornery smile that became infectious to anyone in his presence. You couldn’t help but be in a better mood each and every time you were around him. He found his passion in making others laugh.
Some of Kelly’s favorite accomplishments included raising his three daughters, and being the world’s best Papa. Being a child at heart himself, he would always bring so much fun and laughter when playing with his grandchildren. He loved spending his free time attending their school events, watching them play sports, attending each and every dance recital, and excessively spoiling them at Christmas. It was almost a guarantee that his grandchildren would come up in conversation, as they brought him so much joy and pride.
Kelly is survived by his wife, Carol Schlake of Atlantic, Iowa; daughters Shelly Schlake (Scott) of Atlantic, Sheena (JR) Hagen of Atlantic, and Sharla (Tom) Schmeling of Ankeny, Iowa; grandchildren Kelbe and Trista Flathers, Taylee, Landon and Kellee Hagen, and Amelia Schmeling; great grandson Owen Deyo; step grandchildren Kydie and Cooper Woolsey; brother Kevin (Vicki) Schlake of Atlantic, Iowa; sister and brother-in-laws, Alan (Mary) Gregersen, Allan (Jolene) Andersen and Greg (Lois) Baier; and many treasured nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Fern Schlake and parents-in-law Dale and Verlee Andersen.
Open visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 6th at Roland Funeral Home, followed by visitation with the family present from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The family will hold a private viewing from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., Sunday. During the visitation only 15 people, including family and staff, will be allowed inside the funeral home at one time and only 30 people allowed to be in line to enter the funeral home. If the line exceeds 30 people, we would please ask that you wait in your vehicle until the line is reduced to under 30. The line to enter the funeral home will be at the east entrance.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 7, 2020, at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic. The service will be livestreamed and more details will be available at www.rolandfuneralservice.com in the coming days. Overflow seating, with the livestream, will be available at Roland Funeral Home.
A private family burial will be held following the service at the Atlantic Cemetery.
During the visitation and the funeral service masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to causes within the Atlantic community and to Zion Lutheran Church.
Roland Funeral Service is caring for Kelly’s family and his arrangements.
