Elwyn Kelley

Elwyn C. Kelley, 88, Wautoma, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, February 4, 2012, at Wild Rose Manor surrounded by his loving family. He was born at his family home in the Town of Plainfield, on July 7, 1923, the son of Boyd W. and Luella (Salter) Kelley. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a Pharmacist Mate on the U.S.S. Salinas stationed off the coast of Shoemaker, CA. While serving his country he married his high school sweetheart, Joyce E. McCallister in Seattle, WA in 1944. After the war, he attended UW-Madison where two of their five children were born. He worked for Allis Chalmers and eventually settled in Menasha, WI where they raised their family and he worked for Badger Highways. In 1963, he and a partner established their own company, Driveway Services. In 1968, along with Elwyn's brother, LaVerne, they started Star Asphalt and Kelley Sand and Gravel in Wautoma. The family moved to Wautoma in 1972. Besides being a respected, hard-working businessman, Elwyn had been active in the community and Grace Methodist Church, serving on several committees and Boards. He was a member of the Wautoma Masonic Lodge, the Eastern Star, the Scottish Rite, and the Zor Shriners. Although Elwyn never retired from his lifelong work, he and Joyce enjoyed taking several trips, and spending time with family and friends. He grew up loving horses and enjoyed Horse Pulls in his later years. He was an avid Packers and Brewers fan. He especially looked forward to the family gathering at deer hunting, including the annual venison fry at the Kelley farm. Elwyn touched many lives through his example of integrity and honesty. He was a kind and loving dad, grandpa and great-grandpa who will be greatly missed. Until we meet again... Elwyn is survived by his five children: Joanne (Chuck) Orvik, Dent, MN; Nolan (Sherry) Kelley, Wautoma; Gwen Nack, Hawley, MN; Regina (Lloyd) Pontow, Wautoma; Paula Masuca, Kimberly, WI; eleven grandchildren: Scott Orvik, Kelly Jo Orvik Zellmann, Molly Kelley Hardt, Adam Kelley, Kimberly Nack Wing, Joshua Nack, Courtney Nack Marzahl, Randi Pontow Trudeau, Becky Pontow Speilman, Maddie and Stephanie Masuca. He is further survived by eighteen great-grandchildren, several sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death in 2001 by his wife of 56 years, three brothers: Walter, LaVerne, and Raymond Kelley; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild and numerous extended family members. Funeral services for Elwyn C. Kelley will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Methodist Church, Wautoma, with Pastor George J. Kafer officiating. He will be laid to rest with full military honors in Plainfield Cemetery, Plainfield. Relatives and friends may call on Friday, February 10, from 5:00 to 7pm at Grace United Methodist Church followed by Masonic and Eastern Star services. Visitation will also take place on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.



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