Jim Kelly

James Patrick Kelly, 86, of Waupun, died Monday, March 23, 2026 at Waupun Christian Home. He was born January 28, 1940 in Chicago, IL, the son of John and Helen (Weber) Kelly. Jim graduated from St. Benedict High School, attended the University of Illinois and later the Tool & Die Institute of Chicago. On January 20, 1962 he married Kathryn Joan Knudsen in Chicago, IL.

Jim and Kay moved to Fond du Lac in 1972. They joined Welcome Wagon and through that group they met many great friends they still have today. Jim owned and operated, along with his family, Kelbros Inc. and retired in 2005.

He enjoyed playing handball, racquetball, tennis, golf, poker, and cribbage. Jim was also an avid woodworker and painter. He enjoyed Friday Fish Frys with friends, traveling, and shared many great times at The Cottage on Silver Lake in Wautoma. Most of all he loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Kathryn; four children, Jim Kelly, Dan Kelly, Erin (Ted) Skorupa, and Brian (Jane) Kelly; grandchildren, Riley (Nicolas) Ferraz, Rachel Kelly, Loren Kelly, Erika Kelly, Molly Kelly, Mary Skorupa, Annie Skorupa, Kristy Kelly, Roman Skorupa, Tim Kelly, Amelia Kelly, and Lucy Kelly; great grandson, Lucca Ferraz. He is further survived by his brother, Jack (Mary Pat) Kelly; brothers and sisters-in-law, Russ Wingert, Nancy Knudsen, Marius (Michelle) Knudsen, Jean Brendel, and Mary Howe; nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Kelly; brother, Christopher Kelly; daughter-in-law, Gloria Kelly; father and mother-in-law, Marius and Marjorie Knudsen; sister-in-law, Lois Wingert; and brothers-in-law, Scott Brendel and George Howe.

The visitation will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow at 12:30 PM on Thursday at the funeral home. Cremation has taken place. Casual attire at Jim’s request.

Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com