Lee T. Kelly, 97, of Eau Claire, died Friday, November 8, 2024 at Milestone Senior Living in Eau Claire.

                Lee was born September 6, 1927 in Chippewa Falls, the son of Murray and Therese (Koepke) Kelly.

                He graduated from Chippewa Falls Senior High School in 1945. Lee attended Farm Short Course in Madison from 1945-1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Army with his twin brother, Lyle from 1954 until being honorably discharged in 1956.

                On October 20, 1956, Lee married Viola Tichey at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls. He was a member of Notre Dame Church.

                Lee was the 4th generation who farmed in Eagle Point until 1972, then he worked for W.S. Darley until he retired in 1993.

                Lee enjoyed camping with his family, hunting, fishing, reading and going to all the grandchildren’s ball games. His hobby was carpenter work.

Lee is survived by one daughter, Karen (Terence) Morris of Athens, WI; four sons, Paul (Mary) Kelly of Idaho Falls, ID, Patrick (Michelle) of Hudson, Timothy (Marcia) and Alan (Rebecca) both of Chippewa Falls; one sister, Marjorie (Kelly) Bjork; three sisters-in-law, Albina Bowe, Jackie and Ardyce Kelly; one brother-in-law, Frank Fijalkiewicz; 19 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

                Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Viola on May 7, 2022; his parents; two brothers, Keith and Lyle Kelly; two sisters, Lois Barnum, and Marilyn Lee; and three brothers-in-law, Gordon Bjork, Bruce Barnum and Jerome “Lefty” Lee.

                Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 15 at St. Charles Church in Chippewa Falls. Rev. David Nowicki will be celebrant of the funeral Mass. Interment will be in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Military rites will be conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

                Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of services at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, November 15 at the church.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE:

Funeral services for Lee T. Kelly were held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 15 at St. Charles Church in Chippewa Falls.

                Rev. David Nowicki was celebrant of the funeral Mass. Interment was in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls. Military rites were conducted by the Chippewa Falls Patriotic Council.

                Music during the Mass was provided by Beth Martinek and Sue Van de Loo. Readings were given by Eleanor and Evelyn Kelly. Gift bearers were Megan Loylan and Kathryn VanNess.

                Casket bearers were Justina Bowe, Daniel, Joseph and Sean Kelly, Lacy Klefstad and Shane Morris.