Kenneth William Kelly, age 89 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 10, 2023, surrounded by his children. He was preceded in death by the joy of his life, his wife of 60 years, MaryAnn; parents, Frank & Wanda Kiliszewski; brothers; Danny, Vinny, Johnny, Bob, and Gerry. Ken is survived by his children, Ann Kelly, Christine Kelly, Kevin (Kathleen) Kelly, Maureen Kelly, Steven (Paige) Kelly; grandchildren, Eric Nettles, Rachel (Adam) DenHartigh, Brendan Kelly, Connor (Emily) Kelly, Matthew Kelly, Ryan Kelly; great-grandchildren, Nolen, Bordyn, Eowyn, Tauriel, Peregrin, and Gage; sisters, Pat Horter, Sharon (Mike) Dykstra, Jackie Kiliszewski, Julie Kiliszewski; brother, Richard (Barbara) Kiliszewski; many nieces and nephews and extended family. Ken led by example, lived by his faith, and had unconditional love for his entire family. He made friends wherever he went. Ken graduated from Catholic Central Class of 1951, Aquinas College, and Michigan State University. He was in the United States Army and was part of the National Guard. Ken was employed with the Grand Rapids Public Schools for 38 years as an elementary principal. He enjoyed volunteering at the Salvation Army, woodworking, string art, and traveling with wife MaryAnn. Ken also enjoyed spending time with close friends from St. Thomas, camping in Pentwater, and teaching religious education at St. Thomas. Visitation will be held 2-4pm & 6-8pm Thursday, September 14, 2023, with a vigil at 7:30pm at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Mass of Christian Burial to be held 11:00am Friday, September 15, 2023, at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI 49301 with visitation one-hour prior. Rev. Tony Russo and Deacon John Ashmore presiding. Interment Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Education Foundation, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506, Salvation Army, https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/ways-to-give/, or Emmanuel Hospice, https://emmanuelhospice.org/donate/.
Kenneth William Kelly
01/31/1934
09/10/2023
2 Responses
Kelly family, I worked with Mr. Kelly at Beckwith Elementary school. We worked well together. He said to me one day when talking and he said you get what you give! I have not forgotten that!! He loved his family! Know that he no longer is sick! I appreciated him and what he stood for!! God bless your family!!
Mr. Kelly was my all time favorite principal ever. Good guy.