Kelly Fairchild

Kelly Fairchild was born July 5, 1936, to Lafe and Myrtle (McMurphy) Fairchild on a farm east of Irwin, in Audubon County Iowa. He attended country school east of Irwin and graduated from Audubon High School with the Class of 1955.

On September 2,1955 he was united in marriage to Barbara Haskins.

Kelly worked over-the-road construction/concrete work from 1955 to 1961. He worked at Harlan Municipal Utilities from 1961, retiring in 1998. Kelly & Barb owned the Harlan Sewing Center from 1975 to 1995. Kelly was a volunteer with the Harlan Fire Department from 1962, serving as a board member 1968-1972 and resigned from active duty in 1984 and was on the honorary roster.

Kelly & Barb enjoyed their annual trips to Table Rock Lake beginning in the 60’s. They enjoyed numerous vacations, winters in Arizona and any time spent with family and friends. Kelly enjoyed time spent on his Harley taking numerous road trips, poker runs, camping trips and rally’s.

Kelly passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 23, 2024, at Hansen House in Harlan, Iowa, attaining the age of eighty-eight years, five months, and eighteen days. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Fairchild, grandson-in-law Clint Jensen, sisters Leona (Victor, Allyn) Ferry Erb, Leola (Jake) Baker, Norene (Pete) Pietanze, Ramona (Pete) Petersen, Irma (George) Weber, Dixie (Don) Andersen.

He is survived by his daughters Kim (Dick) Zimmerman, Kristi (Paul) Wegner, Karla (Rick) Kramer; grandchildren Amy Jensen, Kelly (Amy) Zimmerman, PJ Wegner, Ryan (Jana) Wegner, Andrea (Tony) Ransom, Brittany (Sadie Roberts) Moore, McKenzie (Adam) Mich; 10 great grandchildren; loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of long time friends.

Per Kelly’s wishes, please don’t dwell on his passing, but instead celebrate his life. The family invites everyone to join us in a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday, December 28 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Bring a beverage, raise a glass and join us at 404 Dodge Street, Harlan, IA 51537.

Those wishing to send an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to Kristi Wegner, 2402 Roland Lane, Harlan, IA 51537. They further request that you raise a glass in his memory.