Daniel J. Kelly

Daniel J. Kelly of Downers Grove, Ill. died June 6, 2025, at his Lake Carroll home, the retreat where he enjoyed summers and celebrations for decades among four generations of his family.
Dan, 74, was born May 5, 1951, in Jacksonville, Fla., the first child of Chicago natives John T. Kelly, who was assigned to the Naval Air Station Jacksonville, and Mary Lou (Mannix).
The family planted roots in Oak Lawn, Ill. where Dan grew up with his sister and three brothers. Dan attended St. Catherine of Alexandria Elementary School and Marist High School.
He married his High School sweetheart, Kathleen Novak, in 1974. They settled in Downers Grove, Ill., raising three daughters. Dan took great pride in his family and felt immense responsibility for their safety and wellbeing.
Dan followed his father into the elevator industry. He thrived in his career working for Otis and Fujitec America, for a combined 30 years, while serving as a mentor to many others in the field.
In retirement, Dan enjoyed time with his favorite hobbies, including reading, science fiction movies, bird watching, gardening, shooting, puzzles, and following the news. He treasured road trips with his wife in his Ford F-150 King Ranch, lifelong friendships with his childhood buddies, and golfing, boating, and fishing with his grandchildren on the beach at their vacation homes in Florida and Lake Carroll.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Tom Kelly. He is survived by his wife, Kathie; daughters, Beth (Bill) Nordby, Erin Kelly, and Maura Kelly (Scott Yanklowitz); grandchildren Charles, Abigail and Rebecca Nordby, Bailee and Leo Yanklowitz, Dominic Cresap, and Thea and Winona Darian; siblings Tim (Erin) Kelly, Jack (Diane) Kelly, and Nancy (Jurgen) Regelin; and 13 nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, at St. Catherine of Alexandria, 10621 S. Kedvale Ave., Oak Lawn, where he and Kathie were married. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine, with Fr. Tom Hurley officiating. A gathering will follow at Fox's Restaurant & Pub, 9240 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn.