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William Kelly Obituary
Fr. Kelly was a member of the St. Camillus Jesuit community and was called to Eternal Life on April 16, 2020. He was 96 years old and a member of the Society of Jesus for 78 years. He received his Master's Degree in Latin from St. Louis University, a Licentiate in Theology from St. Mary's College in Kansas, and a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of Paris in Paris, France. He started teaching at Marquette University in 1961 and continued until 2000. He served as Chairman of the Theology Department from 1978 to 1985. He became well known to Marquette's Men's Basketball fans because he served as the Chaplin for the team for 31 years. He was honored to have the local chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians named after him.
Fr. Kelly was born in Chicago on February 10, 1924. He attended Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie Du Chien , WI, graduating from there in 1941. From there he entered the Jesuits on August 17, 1941. He was ordained a priest on June 16, 1954 at St. Mary's College, St. Mary's, Kansas.
He is survived by a brother, Edward, in South Cloud, Florida and a sister, Maureen Bransfield, in River Forest, IL, and many nieces and nephews plus thousands of Marquette Basketball fans.
A celebration of Fr. Kelly's life will take place at a later date when his many friends can gather.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Kelly
Christopher Leary
April 26, 2021
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.
Josephine Galka Herrmann
November 15, 2020
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. Josephine Galka Herrmann.
Jay Conley
April 21, 2020
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, a close friend of my Mother, Calise Conley. He married my sisters, Claire Brand and Carolyn Wynne. A delightful and good man! Love and condolences from Jay Conley and the Conley family!
Beth Mulcahy Elardo
April 20, 2020
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 for many years - I will miss receiving his annual Christmas letter.
Please know how much we all loved Fr. Kelly. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
April 19, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Maureen and family.
Joe and Rose Haddad
Ann Stokman
April 19, 2020
Sorry to hear of the loss.
Michael Driscoll
April 18, 2020
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 preparations to have a mass with him out at St. James in Menomonee Falls and the parish priest. On that November 14th day of my son's mass...without even asking Father Kelly and Father O'Leary took the time to come and con-celebrate my sons mass. My heart was filled with glee. How can one ever pay that back !
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