Obituaries
Dr. William “Bill” Kelly
September 16, 1945 - April 22, 2019


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VISITATION
April 25, 2019 | 3-8:00 P.M. -
Yurs Funeral Home
405 East Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois - Funeral
- April 26, 2019 | 10:30 A.M.
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St. Patrick Crane Road Church
6N491 Crane Road
St. Charles, Illinois -
Burial Location
Prairie Cemetery, St. Charles
Dr. William “Bill” Kelly, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on April 22, 2019. As he was throughout his life, he was surrounded by his loving family when he passed. Bill was born September 16, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Bill loved growing up in the central Illinois town of Taylorville. He was a four sport athlete at Taylorville High School, where he would eventually go on to be inducted into their hall of fame. Bill attended the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign for his pre-dental studies. He went on to receive both his dental degree and orthodontic certificate at Loyola University, Chicago. It was at Loyola where Bill first met Joelle- the love of his life. They were united in marriage in 1970.
Following graduation from his orthodontic residency, Bill served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corp in Fort Polk, Louisiana. After leaving the service, Bill and Joelle moved to St. Charles, IL in 1976 to establish his own orthodontic practice and to raise his family. Bill truly enjoyed the practice of orthodontics. He was able to practice at Kelly Orthodontics for over forty years and he loved each and every one of his patients, office staff, and dental colleagues. Bill was excited and proud to be able to work alongside his son Dan for over fifteen years.
Bill was proud of his Catholic faith and was a parishioner of St. Patrick Catholic Church in St. Charles. Bill was actively involved in his community. In 2011 he was awarded the prestigious Charlemagne Award for his history of service. Bill was extremely proud of his association with Fox Valley Special Recreation Association. This organization provides recreation and leisure opportunities for special needs individuals- including his son David. His tireless dedication of time and talent earned his family the FVSRA “Family of the Year” award twice.
Bill loved spending time with this family and friends. He looked forward all year to the annual “Kelly-Abbott” summer vacations to Door County, WI. Bill and Joelle also enjoyed taking their son David to Disney World every year. These trips eventually began to include their grandchildren as well.
To befriend Bill meant making a friend for life. 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.”
Nothing was more important to Bill than supporting his family. His kids and grandkids could always count on seeing and hearing Bill root for them on the sidelines or in the stands. When he wasn’t cheering on his own family, Bill enjoyed rooting for the Bears, Bulls, Illini, and especially the Chicago Cubs. As a die-hard Cubs fan, Bill loved taking his family to games, the highlight of which was Game 2 of the 2016 World Series.
Bill’s proudest accomplishment was his family. He is survived by his wife of forty eight years, Joelle (nee Tucker). He is also survived 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.
Visitation will be on Thursday, April 25 from 3-8:0 P.M. at Yurs Funeral Home, 405 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL. A funeral mass will take place on 10:30 A.M., Friday, April 26th at St. Patrick Crane Road Church, 6N491 Crane Road, St. Charles, IL.
For those willing to send an expression of condolence, in lieu of flowers, Bill’s family suggestion donations to the Fox Valley Special Recreation Foundation. www.fvsrfoundation.org. FVSR Foundation, 2121 W. Indian Trail Road, Aurora, IL 60506
Condolences
Jim & Leslie Tendick from Placerville , CA
"We are so very sorry to hear this news. The years we spent as neighbors was so special. Much love & prayers , Jim & Leslie Te"
Michele L Bruno from Aurora, IL
"Very sad to hear of Dr. Kelly's passing. He was always a friendly face at FRVDS meetings!"
Bill & Cheryl Fredricksen from Sugar Grove, IL
"So, so sorry. Bill was a great caring man and Doctor. Prayers for all the Kelly family."
Morgan Tucker from Lyman, ME
"I wish I could be present to honor my unkle Bills life. I send my endless love, and condolences."
Meredith Tucker from Albuquerque, NM
"He was love and he was light. This world does not have the same brightness without him in it. Love to all."
Heide H Hughes from St Charles, IL
"Dr. Kelly was our children's orthodontist. He was kind and caring. Thanks to him our children have million dollar smiles. He himself was "one in a million." Prayers to the Kelly family."
Linda Mahaney (Mahaney/Fish family) from Hilton Head Island, SC
"Our hearts go out to the Kelly family. We are in shock. Bill was an irreplaceably kind, wonderful man who was a role model to his family and to those who knew him. Our deepest sympathy."
Jocelyn Klotz from Geneva, IL
"I’m so sorry to hear of Dr Kelly’s passing. He was my orthodontist back in the 80s and I liked him so much I took my kids there too. At my son’s first visit, he pulled out old pictures from my appointments. He had a great sense of humor and my kids loved seeing him."
Ed and Laurie Parker from West Chicago, IL
"The Parker family sends heartfelt condolences to the Kelly family. Our three adult children remember Dr. Kelly as a fine doctor and such a nice man! He created confidence and beauty in smiles all over Kane county. Wow - we'll always remember him at that point of life - frozen in time as our orthodontist. He was a genuine person and a kind doctor. May God bless the Kelly family with peace."
Melissa Jentz-Cote from Geneva, IL
"Bill was a wonderful person and orthodontist. His smile and vibrant personality lit up a room. He will be greatly missed."
Jim Parker from St. Charles, IL
"We are so sorry for your loss. We are out of town this week and unable to attend the services. I have really enjoyed seeing Bill at our poker nights. I have loved the connections with the family through the boys."
Jonahan and Jessica Mandziara from South Elgin, IL
"We are so very sorry to hear this news. Hugs and prayers for entire Kelly family during this most difficult time. Dan and Jen, we are just two door down, please lean on us if you need help with anything."
Mary Agrella Fitzpatrick from St. Charles , IL
"I was so shocked and sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was such a friendly face at Kelly Orthodontics and I enjoyed kicking along side him at the Kick-a-thon for so many years. He was an avid supporter of many good causes. He will be greatly missed. Sending my condolences to his family."
Mike and Kathy Foulkes from St. Charles, IL
""We were so very saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Kelly. We are so very sorry for your loss. Dr. Kelly was a wonderful person, always with a smile and a wonderful orthodontist who treated three of our four children. He will be dearly missed.""
Julie Jeffries from Plano, IL
"My prayers go out to the Kelly Family. Dr. Kelly was my orthodontist who made me able to smile with confidence. He always went above and beyond for his patients showing kindness. He would say hello outside of the office at school functions or in the community when he saw me to let me know I was not just a name listed as a patient. Thank you for the memories Dr. Kelly, till we meet again at God's heavenly banquet!"
The Kleckauskas Family from St. Charles, IL
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kelly family."
Richard Hren & Carlotta Olson from Hendersonville, NC
"We were shocked and saddened to hear of Bill's passing. We got to know Bill and his wonderful family through the Tucker/Richlak connection. That link was fueled by a strong family bond and heavy doses of Cub fever. The world has lost a kind, giving and genuinely nice person. Our condolences go out to his family, friends and everyone he touched. Great guy."
Marianne Kehoe from Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico, AK
"Losing a gentleman like Bill falls under the category of "this shouldn't ever happen" as he was such a fair and fun-spirited person. He was a welcoming, helpful, and professional colleague. His patients still smile big because he cared."
Richard & Mary Baginski from Naples, FL
"Mary and I wish to extend our condolences on the passing of Bill to his family and friends. Bill was a great neighbor, tops in his dental profession, and endeared for his community involvement. He never seemed to have a down day, always great smile and a good handshake."
Chuck and Andrea Piazza from Hampshire, IL
"Our family sends our love and prayers to your family. Dr. Kelly always had such a kind smile and warm words whenever we saw him. He made the world better in every single way. Please accept our condolences."
Mark Mahaney from Berkeley, CA
"I spent countless days over at the Kelly house growing up and as someone whose father wasn't a day to day part of my life, Dr. Kelly served as some sort of model to me for what a great and devoted father should look like, act like. I can't think of someone who truly loved and was excited by spending time with his loved ones more than Dr. Kelly. As time goes on and we grow up and move off to different places, it'd been years since I've seen or been able to talk to the Kelly family in person. However, I'm very grateful to Dr Kelly for modeling to me and so many others what it means to be a solid father. My heart goes out to Mrs Kelly, Joey, Claire, David, Mike and Dan and all of their families. I know the feeling of that loss. I hope you're able to let those around you hold you as you move through the emotions you're experiencing. I know you have so many who love you....and I am one of them, even from afar. Rest in Peace Dr. Kelly."
Mardi Tingzon from GENEVA, IL
"I'm saddened to hear about Dr. Kelly's passing. He was always warm and welcoming. FRVDS will miss him. He leaves a wonderful legacy."
Jim Dollahan from Munich, Germany, IL
"I extend my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Bill's family and friends on this sad occasion. Bill and I shared life as AKL fraternity brothers at the U. of I., and I have many fond memories of interactions with him during our college years, including playing poker and losing to him, to cherish for a lifetime. He will be missed."
Don and Carol Robbins from St. Charles, IL
"Joelle and families, We extend to you our sympathies on the death of Jim."
Brad Burker and Anita Hornung from Saint Charles , IL
"So very sad to hear of Dr. Kelly’s sudden passing.Both our daughters - Sarah and Emily - got their braces from him and we still today talk about how the girls walked to his office from Thompson MS at lunch to get their braces adjusted:)He even also recently rechecked their retainers as young adults - he was a blessing to our community and all the children he helped and will be missed."
Sally and Herb Van Winkle from Santa Fe , NM
"Deepest sympathy to Joelle and family. They were our first Illinois neighbors and never unusual for Bill to check on our children , Amy and John’s braces over the back fence. Keeping you in our thoughts."
Jerry Swanson from St. Charles, IL
"Taylorville, University of Illinois and St. Charles were all truly blessed to have been able to share Bill over the years. No one will ever know how many lives this one man touched. He was genuine. He was sincere. He was caring. He was loving. He was someone all children could aspire to become. What higher tribute is there? Bill, I'll miss seeing you at the "gym". May God hold you in the palm of his hand----"
Lynda Fernow from Maple Park, IL
"I fondly remember the good times we had with the STC Mothers group. As newcomers also to the STC community we were graciously welcomed by Joelle and Bill. He was a gracious and kind man who will be missed by all."
The Gattuso Family from St. Charles, IL
"Our condolences to the entire Kelly family. We're never ready to lose a loved one, but we hope you find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories you have of your father/husband/grandfather, and the lasting, positive impression he has made on this community...a life well-lived! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time...Sam, Fran, Kristin & Michael Gattuso"
The Stege Family from St. Charles , IL
"We are sorry for your loss. Dr. Kelly took such good care of our boys. He was gentle and kind and I truly appreciated his patience. He will be missed. Thanks to him, my boys have beautiful smiles!"
ROBERT TURNER from BATAVIA, IL
"My sincere condolences to the Kelly clan. He was the best and the world was better with him in it. I feel blessed to have been able to consult with him on the business side of Kelly Orthodontics for so many years. May God bless the entire family."
Nancy and Michael Hill from St.Charales, IL
"We just returned home from a trip and learned of Bill's death. We extend our deepest sympathies to Bill's family. Every time one of our children smiles, we will think of him and what a special person he was."
Kevin and Sandy True from St Charles, IL
"Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Kelly family. Bill was always upbeat whenever we met him at the office or church!! He did love those Cubs. All of our kids were orthodontist patients there. Just a short walk from Thompson Middle School was a good thing. Sorry we were not able to attend the visitation or funeral. Eternal Life is now his ongoing reward."
Wayne Kinzler from Winter Park, CO
"I sincerely express my condolences to the entire Kelly clan. I am still in shock to hear this news. Bill was always the life of the party and a real competitor on the golf course. He had a way about him that you just knew that he wanted to be a part of your life. We became instant friends when he established his Orthodontic practice in St Charles. May he rest in peace having been to the only World Series by our beloved Cubbies in a century !"