In Memoriam

Dan Kelley
July 9, 1941 - December 19, 2000

President, Iowa United Professionals — UE Local 893

Dan Kelley’s long and heroic battle against cancer is finally over. But his lifelong struggle for a more decent world, free from the cancer of exploitation, continues. His indomitable will, courage and generous heart will see to it that untold legions of family, friends and co-workers will continue to organize and struggle so that working people fully enjoy the world of their creation.

As a founder and long-time leader of UE Local 893, Iowa United Professionals, one of UE’s largest and most influential local unions, Dan Kelley is assured of a place in UE history. Simply put, Kelley has made a difference in the lives of working people — and his many contributions to the labor movement will continue to have an impact.

Kelley had an unshakeable faith in workers and their ability to run their own union. He built his union the old-fashioned way, recruiting one person at a time. He poured his heart and soul into creating a union that would honestly, effectively and aggressively fight for the interests of Iowa state employees. As a result, UE Local 893, Iowa United Professionals, bears more than a passing resemblance to Kelley: audacious, independent and thoroughly committed to the cause of working people.

On behalf of the entire National union, we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Kelley family and the officers and members of Local 893.

Kelley would appreciate the sentiment expressed in Joe Hill’s telegram to Big Bill Haywood the day before his execution: "Don’t waste time in mourning. Organize." However, we intend to do both.

Farewell, brother.

John Hovis
General President

Robert L. Clark
General Secretary-Treasurer

Robert B. Kingsley
Director of Organization