Obituaries
Remembering Dr. William Kelly: A 'Friend For Life' In St. Charles
The City of St. Charles flag was lowered to half staff Friday in memory of the longtime resident, orthodontist and Charlemagne Award winner.
ST. CHARLES, IL — Dr. William Kelly passed away unexpectedly Monday, April 22 at the age of 73. The City of St. Charles announced Friday the City flag is lowered to half staff in memory of the longtime resident and past Charlemagne Award winner.
Kelly was born September 16, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri, and according to Kane County Chronicle, is being remembered for his giving spirit and his love for St. Charles, his home for over 40 years. It's also where Kelly and his wife, Joelle, moved to in 1976 to establish his own orthodontic practice, Kelly Orthodontics. It's also where they raised their family.
"He was just a jewel of a man," said St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina, according to Kane County Chronicle. "The city's heart is broken by his passing."
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Kelly heavy involvement in the community included being the past president of the St. Charles Kiwanis Club and former board member of both the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce and the St. Charles Community Chest, the news report said.
"To befriend Bill meant making a friend for life," a statement in his obituary from Yurs Funeral Homes reads. "While he had countless friends, two particular groups held a special place in his heart. Bill cherished his time with his friends in the 'Poker Group' and enjoyed visiting exotic locales with the 'Travel Group.'"
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Kelly was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed taking his family to games; the highlight of them all? Game 2 of the 2016 World Series.
A funeral mass was held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick Crane Road Church, 6N491 Crane Road, St. Charles, according to Kane County Chronicle, adding that in lieu of flowers, Kelly's family has suggested making donations to the Fox Valley Special Recreation Foundation, www.fvsrfoundation.org., FVSR Foundation, 2121 W. Indian Trail Road, Aurora, IL. 60506.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joelle (nee Tucker), and by his children; Dr. Dan (Jen), Mike (Megan), Joe (Laurie), Claire (Hayden), and David. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Will, Katie, Matt, John, Colin, Ryan, Kieran, Caleb, Kyle, Connor, Sydney, Ethan, Riley, Mackenzie, and Hunter.
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