Kelly J Reece

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Kelly J (Paulsen) Reece left this life unexpectedly Thursday, November 5, 2020 at her home in Oshkosh.

Due to the recent changes to the Nebraska Directive Health Measure, memorial services will be private family only at the church.  Please join us zia a zoom link to be provided or live on the Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home Facebook page.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2020 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Oshkosh with Brenda Tophoj, PMA officiating.  Services will conclude at the church.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Memorials can be made in Kelly's name to the family for later designation (c/o Rick Reece PO Box 385, Oshkosh, NE 69154)

Kelly lived a strong code of values.

Her mom taught her to stand up for the underdog.  Kell lived it and her justice had a moral compass of right and wrong with no in between.  

She believed in generosity, giving more than she ever received.  She was first to lend a hand, donate, pitch in, or get behind a good cause.  You’d never see her in the spotlight, she’d rather be sweating behind the scenes to get things done.    

Kelly believed everyone deserved to be loved.  If she came across someone who could use a friend, they were welcomed into the fold.  She’d invite them in, make sure they didn’t spend the holidays alone, and give them a place to belong.    

Kell had an immense love for cooking- spending time in the kitchen with her family and friends.  Reading recipes was almost as good as a cozy novel.  She’s passed down this passion to her grandchildren- they’ve spent hours together in her kitchen.

How she loved to get together with family and friends.  She’d make a big pot of chili, then get out the cards.  Her competitive nature wasn’t limited to high school sports, where she won state in the shot put and held the school record for a number of years, but it continued through her entire life.  She could find ways to make the most mundane events into cutthroat competition.  Riding with Kell could become the Grand Prix.  Playing cards was one of her favorite things to do but be prepared- she would show no mercy.

Some would say her stubborn nature was apparent as a child to the consternation of her parents, but Kell used it to accomplish many things in her lifetime.  

Kelly was loyal to her family, friends, and community.  If she was your friend, she’d be in your corner no matter what.  She served on the Garden County School Board for 16 years and was active in the revitalization of the Garden County Chamber of Commerce.

 Kelly J (Paulsen) Reece was born September 1, 1959 to Rodney J and Sharon K (Zorn) Paulsen in Oshkosh, Nebraska.  She has two brothers, Rodney C (Dani) Paulsen and Charles Buddy Paulsen.  While working on her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Chadron State College, she met the love of her life, Rick Reece.  They were married May 8, 1983.  In all these years, it is rare to see one without the other.  They loved each other immensely.  Rick and Kell have two daughters, Amanda Reece and Kate (Derik) Ashmore.  The jewels in their lives are their grandchildren:  Aubree, Reece, and Duke Ashmore. 

Kelly is survived by her husband of 37 years, Rick, her daughters Amanda Reece, Katie (Derik) Ashmore, her grandchildren Aubree, Reece, and Duke. Her brothers Chris (Dani) Paulsen, Buddy Paulsen, including a multitude of aunts and uncles, along with numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. 

Kelly is a woman of strong faith in God, quietly living her beliefs every day. It was a source of pride that her family were charter members of St Mark’s Lutheran Church in Oshkosh, her home church.  

She was welcomed to heaven by her parents, in-laws, grandparents, brother-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nephew, and friends. 

Kelly, we will miss you every single day and can’t wait to see you again.

Budaroos in Oshkosh is no longer in service.  The family suggests Vintage Barn Door Blooms in Chappell (308-874-6256), Sidney Floral (308-254-2935 or https://www.sidneyfloral.com/), or The Tarnished Halo in Bridgeport (308-262-1621).