Dr. Kellee Shey

Dr. Kellee’s gentle approach to dentistry transformed the dental experience for her patients. Her ability to connect on a personal level, always remembering to ask about important and cherished details of their lives, made appointments something to look forward to rather than dread. She attended her patients’ graduations, funerals, weddings, and showers, showing up for them in ways beyond her professional role. Many cards and phone calls confirmed that Kellee was more than just a dentist; she was a friend.

She created lasting memories and traditions with her family. On the night of the first snowfall each year, she would take her girls on snow walks, the quiet interrupted only by the sound of crunching snow. She shared her love of piano music by attending Lorie Line concerts, creating special mother-daughter memories. Her creativity and love shone brightly during the holidays, as she meticulously crafted handmade stockings for her children and grandchildren, each one a unique symbol of her affection.

Traveling was another way she bonded with her friends and family, exploring new places and cultures together, visiting four of the seven wonders of the world. Starting in grade school, camping throughout the U.S. and Canada, was the beginning. While in high school, a trip to France, followed by a visit to Russia, cemented her love of travel. Western Europe was a frequent destination and annual trips were discussed, researched, and organized throughout the year. A new travel adventure was always on the horizon.

Kellee did not have a mean bone in her body and was kind to everyone she met. Her remarkable ability to make others feel important, cared about, and deeply loved left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Kellee's ability to make the best of everything with hard work and a smile was evident in how she cared for her son, Daniel, in the best way possible, given the circumstances of his Dravet Syndrome. She lived a life of servitude for her family, friends, and God, always grateful for what she had and what she could do in life.

She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Dan; daughters, Dr. Elizabeth (Dr. Chad Gubbels) Trepp and Madeleine Trepp, both of Ankeny; son, Daniel C. Trepp of Clarion; grandchildren, Coraline, Sullivan, and Audrey; siblings, Micheleen (Judge David) Staudt of Cedar Falls, Brian (Monica) Shey of Chicago, IL, Mark Shey of Kenosha, WI, Erin (Greg) Tasler of Webster City, Georgeann (Keith) Ligori of Tampa, FL, Dr. Michael (Teresa) Shey of Webster City; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was also a beloved sister-in-law to Marty (Terri) Trepp of Urbandale, Becca (Duane) Wilson of Eagle Grove, Laura (Jim) Oates of Peotone, IL, and many nieces, nephews, and more extended family. All of her patients and staff, including Djuna Kauffman, were considered family, but especially her dental assistant of 26 years, Mindy Morgan, who deserves a special mention for her dedication and service.

Kellee was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. George and Mary Shey. She was an active member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church as well as many other community activities, including being a board member at The Kendall Young Library for several years. In addition to traveling, Kellee enjoyed biking in RAGBRAI, gardening, and reading books. She cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren. Kellee will be remembered for her smile, laughter, and joy of life. And as always, take the trip.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery. A Rosary and scripture service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, May 31, 2024, followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Foster Funeral and Cremation Center is entrusted with the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Kellee’s memory to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School or the Dravet Syndrome Foundation. https://dravetfoundation.org/don