John Michael Kelley was born on April 9, 1959 to Margaret (Kreul) Kelley and Paul John Kelley at Saint Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wi. He passed away on August 13, 2025.  He was the oldest child of three with two younger sisters; Bridget and Molly.

John's younger years were spent in the Hill Farms neighborhood.  During these years, he learned to swim at Hill Farms pool in spite of having a major surgery at less than 24 hours of birth. He was able to join in so many activities including swimming, summer trips to Door County, enjoying family visits with numerous cousins in the area and even being taken trick or treating by Dr. Fred.

Special memories include John dressed up in a suit and his "white bucks" shoes to dine at the Bailey's Harbor Yacht Club with his family.  Other special memories include John's love of the Circus World Museum in Baraboo, which his father would take him to each summer.  Also, John, Bridget and Molly enjoyed camel rides in the summer and tobogganing in the winter.

Teenage years were spent in Parkwood Hills.  He graduated from Madison Memorial in 1979 and stayed in contact with several friends from those years.  Aunt Mary Claire and uncle Bill were very supportive of John throughout his life.

He loved basketball and later became quite good at it with the help of the Ahmed family.  John enjoyed communications and cards from his aunt Connie (Tony Taagen) and her children.  In addition, a special thanks to the Mazurs for their loving interest in John.

John always remembered his cousins Pat and Michelle and his aunt Joanne from Philly.

Bridget would decorate his apartment and Molly always made sure he was up-to-date in his style, which made him feel confident and proud.  Bridget carried on the Friday night traditions started by our parents with John.  We would meet at West Towne Mall and were always sure to go to John's favorite store; Hobby Lobby.

John taught us all to smile and appreciate life.

He will be sadly missed by his sister, Bridget (Chris Wolle), niece Sonja, nephews Gus and Bert, along with his other sister, Molly (Dr. Dan Eimermann).  All of the cousins, including the Taagen, Baggot, Prochaska, Kreul, Blake, Cawley, and Lorentz families will join us in the sadness of John's passing.

He was preceded in death by his niece Adele, father Paul, mother Margaret, brother-in-law Dan, and many wonderful aunts, uncles, and cousins on both sides of the family.

Of note; John's French heritage is through the Lamboleys of Belleville.

A graveside inurnment service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025 at St. Raphael's Frenchtown Cemetery, 6595 Frenchtown Rd., Belleville, WI with Fr. Garrett Kau officiating.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.