William Mitchell "Bill" Kelly

William Mitchell "Bill" Kelly

January 09, 1954 - May 21, 2024

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Obituary

MADISON - William Mitchell "Bill" Kelly, age 70, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Sage Meadow of Middleton. He was under the outstanding love and care of Brighton Hospice, specifically his team of Abbey, Tara and Anne Marie. I can’t imagine what we would have done without the love and care they provided. True angels on earth.


Bill was born on Jan. 9, 1954, in Wausau, the son of Charles and Delphine (Krause) Kelly. He graduated from DC Everest Senior High School, in Schofield. Following high school, he furthered his education at Wausau Community College, where he continued to play basketball. He transferred to UW-Madison and received his bachelor's degree. Bill worked as a Director of Communications for TDS Telecom.


Bill was an avid golfer and Wisconsin sports fan. He was a proud Badgers Booster and a 38-year season ticket holder for Badgers football and basketball games. He loved watching the Brewers and coached youth baseball for West Madison Little League as well as youth basketball. He loved travelling, especially to those destinations that included ocean views and he also enjoyed singing karaoke.


Bill is survived by his friend and former partner, Melissa (Tom) McDonald; son, Patrick Kelly; stepdaughters, Melanie Mitchell and Amanda (Cody) Stieritz; granddaughter, Savannah Mitchell; sister, Colleen (Ralph) Graveen; and nieces, Michelle Graveen and Julie Koplitz. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dephine; and sister, Kay.


A celebration of life is being organized.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420




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William
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Michele Statz
Other •
Bill had a tough outer shell with a gooey inside. He provided me with my management foundational skills which helped me grow as a manager and eventually become a director. During that time he also cried with me when my husband and I found out our IVF treatment didn’t work. He later supported and celebrated our adoption. Wish I could have talked with him one last time before he departed.
SR
Steve Ray
Other •
Billy was a good friend whom I missed these past few years. I will always cherish our friendship and the memories of playing golf, having a cocktail and debating what conference was better SEC or Little 10. RIP my friend!!
JR
J Ritchie
Other •
Bill, unfortunately we had not seen each other much since our TDS-CS days. I always remember your support and encouragement as our organization morphed in the TDS world. Rest easy, until we meet again, I looking forward to catching up with you.
DL
Dave Lanphear
Other •
Met Bill on a basketball court. He was both intense and very caring. We bonded during both of our post divorces … lots of Thursday’s nights relaxing via conversation & laughter … lots of league bb games playing very competitive & unselfish teamwork. He had a big smile and even bigger heart! Missed talking with you buddy … we will get together, catch up & lace up for more games!! Dave Lanphear

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