Kenneth Kelly

Kenneth W. Kelly, age 98 of Portage, died under hospice care on January 10, 2026. He was born on December 14, 1927, in Leonidas Township, Michigan, the son of Virgil and Leola Kelly. He was a graduate of Comstock High School. Ken delivered bread for 43 years for Michigan Bakery and Nichols Bakery. For 35 years, he volunteered at the Air Zoo. Ken used his woodworking skills to assist in restoration of several aircraft. He was a charter member of the St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was married to Louise Petersen in 1951 and was married for 51 years, until her passing. He married Jean Goricki in 2006, and they were married for 14 years until her passing. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his sister Pat Hruska and three sons: Don, Ron and Kevin and his stepson George Goricki. He is survived by his brother Dale Kelly, his son Larry (Andrea) Kelly, his daughter Joan (Robert) Cook; his grandchildren: Susan LaFountain, Sara Hopper, John Bragg, Benjamin Bragg and Ashley Powell; his great-grandchildren: Kamron, Tryston, Zoey, Kenny, Aubrey, Braxton, Tabitha, Alisha, Ryan, Tyler and Dana; and his great-great-grandchildren: Spencer, Caitlyn, Cody, Kolcyn, Chaz, Lydia and Nora. Friends may meet the family from 1:00-2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2381 Romence Rd., Portage, MI 49024, where his funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, with Rev. David Rau officiating. Memorials may be directed to St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Air Zoo. To view Ken's personalized guestbook please visit www.langelands.com