Stephen Kelly

Steve, age 75, died peacefully at his home on Friday morning, May 4, 2007, following a lengthy illness. Steve was born in Muskegon on January 20, 1932. He graduated from Muskegon High School in 1950. He also completed training for the United States Naval Reserve at Great Lakes Naval Academy. Steve began his career in the automotive industry at the age of 17 and worked as a mechanic for a number of car dealerships in the Muskegon area until opening his own auto repair facility, Kelly Auto Electric, in 1982. He married Dolores Wentzloff of Shelby, Michigan on May 5, 1956. Steve was actively involved in little league baseball and Cub Scouts and also enjoyed boating, snowmobiling, and spending time with his family and friends at the Kelly Cabin which he built with his father. Dolores died in 1989. In 1993 he married Marlene (Rinckey) of North Muskegon. Steve was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and was an active member of the Mona Shores Optimists Club where he volunteered for a variety of different fundraising projects and community events. He enjoyed watching nature and working in his yard at his home. Steve was known by many in the Muskegon area largely from his involvement in the automotive industry which covered a span of almost 60 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Helene Kelly, and his first wife, Dolores. He is survived by his wife, Marlene; his two sons, Christopher (Kimberly) Kelly of Muskegon and Thomas (Gina) Kelly of Vicksburg, Michigan; two step-daughters, Brenda (Doug) Kerfoot of Holland, Michigan, Kathy (Doug) Grant of Muskego, Wisconsin; and one step-son, Greg (Jeannie) Rinckey of Zeeland, Michigan and 14 grandchildren. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Harbor Hospice who provided support and comfort for Steve and his family during the final days of his life. VISITATION will be held at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. 231-759-8565 on Thursday, May 10, 2007, from 7- 9 PM. There will be a Rosary Thursday from 6-7 PM at the funeral home. The MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church at 11 AM, Friday, May 11, 2007. A second visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the funeral service from 10-11AM. Memorial donations can be made to Harbor Hospice.