Kevin Francis Kelly

Kevin Kelly has gone fishing - forever this time. Kevin Francis Kelly, age 60, of Gaylord, passed away on January 21, 2025.
Kevin had many loves in his life. He loved cooking, the Wolverines, golf, and a competitive game, or eight, of euchre. But his greatest passions were his family, especially his three children, and his time on the lakes surrounding the Kelly cabin in Gaylord, Michigan.
For many years, he had yearned to return to the waters where he was most at peace. After roaming many places on this earth and delighting many people on his journey with his warm smile, kindness, and good cheer, Kevin finally found his way home to those waters to live full-time Up North. From early thaw in the spring 'til the last cold winds of autumn, he and his dog Pearl would find their way to the lake, making up for lost time.
Kevin delighted in sharing what he knew - the key to finding big fish in those lakes, the best way to smoke pork ribs and fry bass bites, and a wonderful salad dressing – with all those he loved in life, and we in turn loved him for it.
Kevin was born in Wyandotte on May 16, 1964, the son of Roger John Kelly and Jacqueline Marie (Labadie) Kelly. He was raised and spent most of his life in the suburbs of Detroit, attending St. Hugo's of the Hills and Brother Rice High School and starting his own family in Bloomfield Hills.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Jackie. He is survived by his three children, Christopher (Victoria), Nicholas, and Theresa; his sisters, Kathy (Phil), Julie (Peter), and Molly (Paul); many nephews and nieces; and his beloved yellow lab, Pearl.
A Funeral Mass for Kevin will be held February 1, 2025 at St. James Catholic Church, 46325 W. 10 Mile Road in Novi, Michigan beginning at 11 am. Kevin's family will host a reception to follow the Funeral Mass. All are welcome to share stories and remembrances of Kevin at a luncheon reception, at The Garage Grill at 202 W. Main Street, Northville.
Kevin is missed dearly, but we are comforted in knowing he will be there every time we see the pine trees sway in the breeze, hear the loon's call, and watch the sun's rays set on his waters.
Please share your stories and memories of Kevin in the "Share a Memory" section.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Nelsons Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.