William J. Kelly

Here was a stalwart Jesuit dedicated to service and teaching. Calm, clear, undeterred in fulfilling his tasks, he made his students feel acknowledged, loved whomever they were and would become. Serious but with a twinkle in his eye, he was a great model for all at Marquette: grateful to say my favorite.

Father William J Kelly, S.J. was my compassionate mentor when I was a graduate student in Theology at Marquette University until I graduated in 1967. Awestruck as I was by the tremendous work he did on behalf of the church in bringing it into the twenty-first century, I felt honored that I was numbered among many of his lifelong friends. He worked tirelessly to bring us to the transformative level of sainthood in which he, himself, dwelt and most likely still does. He will be missed. ...

Father Kelly was a dear friend of the John Conley family. I have fond memories of golfing with Father K and my father, John Conley, and other priests in my youth. There is now quite the foursome in heaven: Father K, Father Bill Maloney, Father Charles Mehock, and my Dad. Although my Dad and Father K were often partners in the foursome, they desperately wanted to beat each other, as well. It made for great times with LOTS of humor. Father K eulogized my Dad at his funeral and was, also,...

Please accept my deepest sympathy regarding the passing of Fr. Kelly. I have so many fond memories of Fr. Kelly from my time at Marquette University and beyond! I can still envision Fr. Kelly playing doubles with his tennis friends, including Fr. McGarrity, at Helfaer Tennis Center on the MU campus. And, running into Fr. Kelly on the MU campus was a joy - he was always so upbeat and happy. Fr. Kelly married my husband and I in 2000 at Gesu as well. I've stayed in touch with Fr. Kelly...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Maureen and family.
Joe and Rose Haddad

Sorry to hear of the loss.

As a one time member of Milwaukee's Ancient Order of Hibernians, Father Kelly was our dedicated chaplain for many years after retiring I suggested that we name our chapter after him. And that we did ! But my story as many do goes beyond and into a time in my life when the whole world seemed to come down on me when my son was in a bad accident out in Vegas in Oct of 2012. My son was on life support for a month. It was on Oct. 10 2012 my son lost the battle. I brought Ryan home and made...