Keith Andrew Ely, 61, of McHenry, IL passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 27, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Keith was born on October 11, 1960, the son of Ken and Doris (Hyden) Ely in Dayton, Ohio.

Keith proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was a jack of all trades, holding many specialties over the years, but once his children were grown, he spent his later years as an over the road truck driver where he enjoyed seeing this country’s sights and especially enjoyed the many bridges he would encounter. If you knew Keith, you also knew him for his Superman tattoo and his love of Coors light, even spending his first honeymoon visiting their brewing facility. If you were lucky enough, you knew Keith loved dancing and lit up the dancefloor at every wedding and celebration he attended. Keith was a lover of classic cars and hotrods, a love that he instilled in all of his children, but he most notably loved his Jeep and spending time with his boys working in the garage. Keith was lovingly known as “Pops” and his passing leaves a hole in the hearts of his many “children”. He will be missed by his family and friends, but great peace comes by knowing he is no longer suffering.

He is survived by his children: Keith (Missy) Ely, Ken (Kelly) Ely, and Kristine (Sebastian) Ely, his four grandchildren: Lorilye, Madison, Penelope, and Ashlyn, his sister: Donna (Steve) Burke, his father: Ken Ely, his ex-wife and mother of his children: Estelle Foreman, numerous loving nieces and nephews, and the many friends that became family.

He is preceded in death by his daughter Nichole Ely, his brother Steve Ely, and his mother Doris Ely.

Friends and family are invited to visit with Keith’s family on Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 1pm -3pm at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 W. Charles J. Miller Rd., McHenry, IL. Speeches in honor of Keith’s memory will begin at 3pm followed by presentation of military honors to follow

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Wounded Warrior Project or American Legion Post 491 in honor of Keith. Donations can be made here: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Justen Funeral Home & Crematory. For more information, please contact the Funeral Home at 815.385.2400 or visit www.justefh.com, where friends and loved ones may share memories of Keith on his tribute wall.