Dennis Kelley

March 12 1947 - September 8, 2025

South Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI - Dennis tossed his power chair and ran all the way up to Heaven in the early hours of September 8.  He was greeted by his devoted parents, Bette and John Kelley and his sister, Maureen (Kelley) Moede who was still 26 years old, having been there since 1974. They are still hugging him as aunts, uncles, cousins and friends patiently wait to welcome him.

Dennis was born with cerebral palsy. He was the only kid on the block who wore braces, used crutches and wore a leather helmet to protect his head during falls. He inherited his congenial personality from his parents. He attended a special needs elementary school and was picked up by George, the bus driver, every morning. George carried each child up the steps, braces and all, and placed them in their respective seats.

On his first day at Custer High school the principal called Bette to say he did not think the school could accommodate Dennis. Bette gave him Denny's doctor's phone number and told him to call. Long story short, Dennis was the first teen mainstreamed into Custer High School. And he thrived! He was accepted into the swim team as the time keeper. He earned a letter sweater. He passed driver's ed. He went on to college and joined a fraternity. He graduated from Dominican College in Racine in 1972 and worked as a counselor with Goodwill Industries for some time.

Denny's travels took him to England, Ireland and an Alaskan cruise in 2000 with his family, aunt and cousins.

Denny's life with filled with many physical challenges, injuries and disappointments yet he continued to enjoy life. He enjoyed time with his family and friends. Quick to smile. Always curious how people were doing. He had the best laugh! Along with his sisters, Mary Pat (Kelley )Vigil and Eileen Kelley, and his brother-in-law, Michael Vigil, and friends and cousins he attended many Milwaukee Brewer games, had season tickets to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and Marcus Theater Broadway performances. He could be found at Milwaukee's Irish Fest every year.

Dennis lived in skilled nursing at Franciscan Villa for 9.5 years. With his upbeat personality and polite manner he was very well liked. His sisters deeply appreciate all of the staff who cared for Denny. Scott, Tiffany, Pedro, Rosario, Donna, Patti, Julie, all of his CNAs, Kiki, being most recent who came in with a bright smile and cheerful greeting.

Dennis was an inspiration to all who knew him. Through him we learned compassion, empathy, and how to go with the flow of life.  He will be deeply missed.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, September 21, at Franciscan Villa Gardens, 1000 Williams Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI, starting at 11:00 AM followed with an indoor tailgate party. Milwaukee Brewers attire welcome. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent in Dennis Kelley's name to the Street Angels | Mobile Outreach Program