Thomas Patrick Kelly, 83, passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 13, 2024, in the comfort of his home with his loving wife by his side. He was born May 14, 1940, in Evanston, IL to Walter and Edna (Moore) Kelly. He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage. Tom grew up in Neenah and graduated from Neenah High School in 1958. He graduated from UW-Madison in 1965. It was in Madison that he met his future wife, Barbara Boock of Beaver Dam, the daughter of Dr. Robert and Dorothy Boock. Thomas and Barbara were wed on July 30, 1966, sharing 57 years of married life together.
Tom began his professional career with American in Neenah, and later worked as an executive in sales and marketing for Fort Howard Paper Company, now Georgia Pacific. After his retirement, Tom worked as a consultant for Riverside Paper and was instrumental in developing a new patent. Outside of work, his talents and interests were widespread. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed the outdoors fishing and hiking, played multiple musical instruments, was a talented painter, and an enthusiastic flower gardener. Tom faithfully cheered on his Badgers and was a true Packer fan.
He will be sadly missed by his wife, Barbara Kelly and a nephew, Kyle Ketelsen who was like a son to him. He is further survived by a brother, Terry (Barbara) Kelly; a sister, Molly (Tom) Brock; sisters-in-law, Margaret Boock and Rafat Boock; nephews and nieces including Michael Kelly, Walter “Patrick” Kelly and Erin McCarthy; Scott Brock and Kelly Earnest; Sam Ketelsen, Stephen Ketelsen and Sarah Case and Kaylyn Boock.
In addition to his parents and in-laws, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Robert “Bobby” Boock and two sisters-in-law, Susan (Daniel) Ketelsen and Patricia Boock.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15th at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum Chapel, 2770 Bay Settlement Road, Green Bay. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 p.m. He will be interred following the service. Proko-Wall Funeral Home is assisting the family and online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.
Jeane Smits is serving the family.