Kelly Funeral Home Phone 0800 24 80 24

06/09/2026

05/09/2026

We are saddened to share the passing of

INGRAM, Les Preston (Womble)

Passed away after a short illness at Dannevirke Community Hospital on Saturday 5 September 2026, aged 84 years.
Dearly loved Husband of Val.
Loved Dad of Brent & Sharon, Tania, Tony, Bryan & Julie.
Treasured Grandad to Ashley, Brianna, Campbell, Marcus, Bradley, Briar, Jessica, Chloe and Oliver. And Great Grandad of Oliver, Katelyn, Quinn and Austin.
Loved Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend to many.
As per Les’s wishes, a private family service will be held on Monday 7 September 2026 followed by a private cremation.
The family warmly invites all of Les’s friends to join them at the Dannevirke Services & Citizens Club from 3pm on Monday to share your memories of Les with them.

Messages to Les's family can be left on his tribute page - https://stream.thelychway.nz/s/les

15/08/2026

A new chapter for Kelly Funeral Home

As part of the Lychway Group, Kelly Funeral Home is entering an exciting new chapter alongside Lychway Funeral Directors.

On Thursday 13 August, ownership of the Lychway Group officially passed to Glenn Davies, Elisha Hart and Gayle Smart.

While the ownership may be new, our commitment to the families and communities we serve remains exactly the same.

Glenn and Elisha have both been part of the Lychway Group for years, caring for families throughout the Manawatū and Tararua regions and helping shape the standard of care we provide. Gayle now joins them in ownership, bringing her own experience, strengths and commitment to the future of the group.

Kelly Funeral Home has a proud history of caring for families throughout Dannevirke and the wider Tararua community, and we understand the importance of protecting the relationships, trust and reputation that have been built over many years.

We are incredibly grateful to the Procter family for the trust they have placed in us to carry the Lychway Group forward and acknowledge the years of dedication, hard work and care that have gone into building the businesses we are now privileged to lead.

We also remember the late Graeme Procter, whose knowledge, leadership and commitment helped shape the Lychway Group and the people within it. Although Graeme is not here to see this next chapter begin, his influence and legacy will remain an important part of our businesses for many years to come.

As we move forward, our commitment is simple, to respect the history and individuality of each of our funeral homes while continuing to grow, evolve and provide the highest standard of care to every family who places their trust in us.

To the families, community, colleagues and everyone who has supported Kelly Funeral Home over the years, thank you.

We look forward to continuing to care for the Dannevirke and wider Tararua community for many years to come.

Glenn Davies, Elisha Hart & Gayle Smart

25/04/2026

Today, on ANZAC Day, we pause to remember.

We remember the courage of those who served, the sacrifices made, and the lives forever changed by war. We honour not only those who gave their lives, but also the families who carried the weight of that loss, then and now.

In our line of work, we are reminded every day of the importance of remembrance. Of stories told, names spoken, and lives never forgotten.

ANZAC Day is more than a moment in history, it is a living legacy of bravery, resilience, and quiet strength.

May we take a moment today to reflect, to remember, and to give thanks.

Lest we forget.

- Kelly Funeral Home

12/02/2026

McLAREN: Val Maren, nee Jameson.
Passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully at home
on February 5th, 2026.
Dearly loved wife of Les (dec).
Adored mother and mother- in-law of Lisa and Brian Bond, Tracy Simkin, David and Leah Frith, Diane and Brent Vertongen.
Treasured nana and nana Val to her many grandchildren
and great-grandchildren.
A beautiful soul, deeply loved and forever remembered.
A private family service has been held. All correspondence c/o 314 Armstrong Road, Dannevirke 4978.

https://stream.thelychway.nz/s/val

10/01/2026

As the year gently settles into its rhythm, we find ourselves reflecting on the year that has passed.

To the families who entrusted us with the care of someone deeply loved - thank you. It has been a privilege to walk beside you during moments of farewell, remembrance, and quiet reflection. Each life we were honoured to care for mattered, and each story remains with us.

To our wider community, thank you for your trust, kindness, and support throughout the past year. We do not take lightly the responsibility of caring for those who have passed, or the families who grieve them.

As we continue into the year ahead, we do so with gratitude, humility, and a deep commitment to providing thoughtful, personal care whenever it is needed.

From all of us at Kelly Funeral Home, we wish you peace, comfort, and gentle moments in the months ahead.

25/12/2025

From all of us at Kelly Funeral Home
As Christmas comes to an end and the New Year approaches, we want to take a quiet moment to thank our community and the families who have trusted us during the past year.
We know that this season can be especially difficult for those who are missing someone they love, and our thoughts are with you. It has been a privilege to support and care for the families we have walked alongside, and we are truly grateful for the trust placed in us.
We wish you moments of peace, comfort, and togetherness this holiday season, and hope the coming year brings gentle days ahead.
With warmest wishes,
Kelly Funeral Home Team

23/12/2025

POPOW, Yvonne Marilyn (née Hansen)
1951 – 2025

Late of Masonic Court Rest Home Palmerston North, formerly of Dannevirke.
Passed peacefully at Palmerston North Hospital on 21 December 2025, aged 74 years.
Beloved wife of the late Georg Popow.
Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Shaun and Jess.
Devoted Nana to Bradyn and Jorjye.
Loved sister to her siblings and a cherished aunt to her nieces and nephews.
A dear friend to many.
A service to celebrate Yvonne’s life will be held at The Hub, Entrance on Allardice Street, Dannevirke, at 11am on Friday 9 January 2026.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Dannevirke Health Shuttle or Dannevirke Community Trust Car would be appreciated and may be left at the service.
The family extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of Masonic Court for their care, support, and kindness shown to Mum over the past 20 months.
Messages to Yvonne’s family can be sent to C/O PO Box 1014 Palmerston North.

Livestream Link - https://stream.thelychway.nz/s/yvonne

28/11/2025

We couldn’t be prouder of Mike for achieving his 10 year Long Service Certificate for over 10 years of dedicated service to the funeral industry. He is an outstanding person with a genuine heart for the families he supports, ensuring every detail is handled with care and respect. We’re grateful to have him as part of our team.

12/08/2025

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