John Kelly

John Paul Kelly of Alpena passed away on Thursday November 12,, 2020 at the age of 96. John was born in Detroit on June 19, 1924, to father John Timothy Kelly and mother Helen Pahl.  He was the oldest of his sisters Jean, Gail and brother Glenn. The family moved North during the depression and settled in Hillman.  John was always ambitious and hardworking, starting out working at the age of 12 at Jack’s Landing. Hard work was second nature to John. Never complaining, he would work multiple jobs from sunup to sundown, frequently every day throughout much of his life.

Struggling to find work, he returned to Detroit and began what would be his 40 year career at the Michigan Central Train Station and REA (Railroad Express Agency). A chance dance lesson would lead to a date and eventual marriage to Margaret, his wife for over 57 years. Together they grew the family with the birth of two children, Connie and Tim.  John returned to Alpena to be near his brother and sister about 15 years ago. With a great sense of humor and love of life, he was most happy when outdoors, hunting and fishing and spending time with his dog Denver.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen and his wife Margaret Ruth Kelly. He is survived by his sisters, Jean Burke, Gail Rigney, brother Glenn ( Bonnie) Howe, daughter Constance Ann ( Steve)  Whitmer and , son Timothy John Kelly and wife Cheryl DenBroeder-Kelly, granddaughters Donna (Chris) Hardies and Beth (Chip) Abrams, grandson Darrin ( Yasmin) Whitmer, Tim( Amy) Kelly.   And 5 great-granddaughters  Elisha ( Nathan) LaFramboise, Carly (Corey) Smith, Morgan (Bryan McClelland) Hardies, Nicole Abrams and Arianna Whitmer and  great- great grandchildren, Roslin and Archer LaFramboise and Torey Smith. He will also be dearly missed by his very special nieces and nephews who brought him great happiness and fellowship.

No service will be held at this time, a celebration of life service will be held next summer including a toast of Jameson’s to honor our wonderful Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle.