Kenneth Kelly's Obituary
Mr. Kenneth Kelly, age 97, of Spring Lake passed away Friday, August 4, 2023, at Grand Pines. He was born August 21, 1925, to Asa and Hazel (Easterly) Kelly.
Ken was born on the family farm in Coopersville and graduated from Coopersville High School in 1943. He enlisted in the US Navy Seabees (Naval Construction Battalion) and was assigned to the 78th Battalion where he spent 23 months in the Pacific Theatre during WWII.
After WWII Ken was accepted to Michigan State University and while he was at MSU he enlisted in the US Naval Reserve. While in the reserve Ken became a Commissioned Officer and after 20 years retired as a Lieutenant Commander.
After he was discharged from the Navy in March of 1946, he married Ruth Hasselbacher and she preceded him in death on April 28, 2018. He graduated with honors from Michigan State University in 1950 with a degree in Civil Engineering. After completing the requirements, he became a professional Engineer in the State of Michigan in 1957. He was also licensed in Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, Kansas, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Ken's work experience included 2 years with the County Road Commission, 3 years as plant layout engineer with Brunswick Corporation, and 3 years as a product engineer for a merchandise display company. In 1956 he entered the bridge crane, hoist, and monorail industry as a product manager for Shaw Box/Budgit products until 1963 when he started Kelly Sales & Engineering. Here he worked as owner, CEO, engineer and salesperson until he retired in 2002.
Ken is survived by three sons: Roger (Michelle) Kelly, Richard (Barb) Kelly, and Scott (Deb) Kelly all of Grand Haven; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Kempker; brothers: Dr. Larry (Sandy) Kelly, and Lowell Kelly; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty and Mariellen; three brothers: James, Nathan Dale, and Asa, Jr.
A memorial service will be held 12:00 PM Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the United Methodist Church of the Dunes. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church. Memorial contributions in memory of Ken may be given to the United Methodist Church of the Dunes, Sgt. Alvin Jonker VFW Post 2326 or the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post 28. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Kenneth?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kenneth?
Share a story where Kenneth's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kenneth you’ll never forget.
How did Kenneth make you smile?