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- Jim Kelly, age 72, Kaukauna, passed away at his home on Sunday afternoon, February 5, 2012. Jim was born in Fond du Lac on October 17, 1939, son of the late James and Ruth (Prehn) Kelly. He was a graduate of the Fond du Lac High School, and attended the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh. As a young man, Jim demonstrated a love for music, and developed skills on the drums. Over the years, he played with such bands as Beachcombers, Black Knights, Phaetons, Resurrection, Stray Rats, Second Time Around, and most notably, The Golden Catalinas. They recorded several hit records, and Jim's biography is documented in several rock and roll history books. Over the years, his bands opened for many national acts. Later, Jim also began his own company, Target Productions. Jim married Diane in 1995, though the couple has been together since the late 1970's. Jim worked as an insurance broker for a time, but for the past thirty years, Jim was in the antique business. He will be remembered for his hard-working, industrious, honest, and generous personality, and for working on his own and setting his own standards. Jim enjoyed collecting toys, and was interested in history, the paranormal and all things unexplained. He loved to watch the progress of technology and read many magazines on the topic. Everyone is also well aware of his "occasional" trip to the casino. Jim also loved morning breakfast at Landreman's, as well as his Wednesday pilgrimages to El Jaripeo.
Jim is survived by his wife: Diane Kelly of Kaukauna; his mother: Mary Kelly of Menasha; a son: Paul (Tammy) Dunsmore of Little Chute and their children Julia, Gramm, and Cameron; a daughter: Jennifer (John) Lorbiecki of Kaukauna and their children Brenton, Kylie, and Colton; a brother: Michael Kelly of Eau Claire; a sister: Alexis (Roy) Olson, Jr. of Menasha and their sons Roy Olson III and Luke (Nina) Olson; his mother-in-law: Julia Burns of Kaukauna; and Diane's siblings: Bob (Renita) Pendergast, Linda (Tom) Brouillard, Pat Romenesko and Bud Nelson (who was also Jim's best friend), Mary (Bob) Nack, Timon Pendergast, and LuAnne Fischer. Jim is further survived by aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Carl Pendergast, and a brother-in-law Thomas Pendergast.
A memorial service for Jim will be held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at the Fargo Funeral Home, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue in Kaukauna, with Chaplain Jordan Kuczwara officiating. He will be buried near his parents in Rienzi Cemetery, Fond du Lac. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday evening, from 4:00 PM until the time of the services.
The family would also like to extend their sincere thanks to the caregivers who watched over Jim. They include everyone on the 7th floor at Appleton Medical Center, as well as the wonderful staff at Theda Care At Home. We will never forget your kindness.
Fargo Funeral Home
400 W.
Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna 766-6200
Online condolences www.wichmannfargo.com
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent from February 7 to February 9, 2012
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1939 - 2012 (72 years)
