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Charles H. Kelly

HERMANSVILLE — Charles H. Kelly, 87, of Hermansville, Michigan passed peacefully at the Isabella Medical Care Facility, Sunday, May 2, 2021 where he resided for 31/2 years. A military service and burial will take place at the Faithorn cemetery on Friday, May 28 at 12:30 p.m. A Celebration of his Life dinner will take place at Floriano Stecker Kelly American Legion post #340 in Hermansville from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday May 28, where his father was a founding member. A Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday, May 29 at 11 a.m. at St. John Neumann Church in Hermansville with Fr. Timothy M. Ekaitis presiding. The family will receive friends at the church at 10:00 a.m. before Mass.

Charles “Chuck” Kelly was born May 27, 1933 in Faithorn, Michigan on the farm, son of the late James and Winifred Hayes Kelly. Chuck is survived by three children, Cheryl Hunter of Mount Pleasant, Debra ( Darin) Nelson of Vulcan, Brian Kelly of Mount Pleasant, eight grandchildren, John(Danae), Paige(Kevin), James, Brittany, Nicollette (Anthony), Brandon, Traves, and Tyler, great grandchildren David, Dylan, Aristen, Everly, Emma, Haven, and Hudson; one sister Colleen Strahl of Carney, and so many nieces and nephews.

Chuck was preceded in death by his mother and father, James and Winnie Kelly and his beloved wife Beverly Ann Kelly “The Little Flower” in 2007, brothers James, Vernon, Bruce, Warren, Jerry, Tom, and Robert, and a son-in-law David C. Hunter.

When reflecting on the life of Alden Charles Hayes Kelly it is easy to say that he was passionate about life. The world lost an incredible man. He lived a courageous life. He had 87 years on this planet and 45 of them were in a battle against MS. The early part of his disease he was able to use what he called his” sticks” to do just about anything. In the later years, he then was confined to a wheelchair but still managed to live at home and drive himself everywhere by himself including long distant trips to the Lower Peninsula and Wisconsin for his apples. For many years he had special caretakers who would help him manage his life at home. Chuck handled this crippling disease with grace and positivity, he would not allow the disease to get in the way of how he was going to live and he didn’t. He loved his family fiercely and he had the most amazing smile. He was a jovial person even in the hardest times and endured the last year of his life in pandemic restrictions.

Throughout Chuck’s life he was a devoted Catholic and it was his faith that helped him give the strength that he needed to weather the storms that came his way. His family meant so much to him and were his greatest blessings. Life will never be the same without Chuckie here but he leaves behind a legacy.

Chuckie as his friends call him was born in Faithorn, Michigan where he went to school and played football and baseball. Faithorn was a small village therefore, not too many young ladies to date so he found his way to Hermansville where he met his “LITTLE FLOWER” the love of his life. They married on May 29,1954 and enjoyed over 50 years of marriage. Chuckie first worked for the Soo Line Railroad, family farm and logging in the woods to make a living. He is an Army veteran 1955-1958 and did his service in Germany as a medic. Then he worked over 22 years at Harnischfeger until the time of his MS. Then he decided to open up Charlie K’s Deer Bait which he ran from his house for over 33 years successfully. He loved this job because it gave him an opportunity to visit with a lot of hunters and share stories.

Charlie was also a Meyer Township trustee, a sexton at the cemetery, member of the volunteer fire and rescue squad, Sportsman Club and American Legion.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, making maple syrup, sharpening knives, and spending a lot of time building puzzles to keep his dexterity in his hands. Most of all he loved watching the Packers and Tigers and was a long standing fan (54) years of the famous Gold Medal tournaments.

One of his greatest pleasures in life was spending time with family.

One of the fun facts is he starred in an expedition movie called “Tundra”, which he was very proud of and enjoyed going to the races on Friday nights to see Chris and Tanner Kelly Motorsports.

Everyone loved Chuck Kelly…his family, his friends, his community and the staff at the Isabella Medical Care Facility they will always remember him as having the STRENGTH and COURAGE and WILL to say “I’m A-OK”.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Hermansville Rescue Squad. Flowers can be sent to the American Legion post #340 in Hermansville.

The Allo Coolman Funeral Homes are assisting the Kelly family.

Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to his family.