Michael Shawn Kelly

Michael ‘Shawn’ Kelly, 65, died August 14th, 2018 in Woodstock, IL.  He was born August 11th, 1953, in Lake Forest, IL, the son of the late Michael John Kelly and Marietta (McLoughlin) Kelly.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Ann; daughters, Kristen (Rob) Ryan, Jennifer Kelly, Shannon Kelly, and son Michael Kelly III; sisters, Karen Kelly, Kim (Dan) Fitzharris, brothers Kevin Kelly and Brian (Erin) Kelly; and 4 grandchildren, Miri Kelly, Michael Shawn Kelly IV, Robbie Ryan and James Kelly.

Shawn graduated Marian Catholic High School in 1971, and shortly after went west to California, a fan of the fresh outdoor air and mountains. He later moved back to Illinois to finish his studies, while holding several executive roles at the family business, Kelco Industries. He later launched a successful career in financial services as First Vice President of Graystone Consulting, a division of Morgan Stanley.

Shawn was generous, with a heart the size of Kelarney. He had the most caring soul, always aware of how others were feeling around him. As such, he often played the mood lightener and inappropriate joke teller. He was fast with the high five, pat on the back, and strong, breath taking hug (sometimes independently, mostly sequential). He loved roaring fires, wooded walks and modern cowboys. His was a perfect 67-degree day, any justification to wear 30 year old denim.

But his greatest testament and proudest achievement was his family, most notably the love of his life, Ann. Shawn married the stunning ‘older’ Ann (older by 18 months, and he’d never let her forget it) on August 29th, 1981. Much to their children’s naïve embarrassment, and later awe and appreciation, over the ensuing decades they’d continue to quietly display their strength and support for each other. This peppered with all of the wonderful highs and lows of marriage, the latter usually remedied by stolen dances in the kitchen (‘Youuuu, you make lovin’ fun’…)

Shawn taught all of his children, and grandchildren, to love unconditionally. To always support the weak and uplift the down trodden.  And to believe in themselves, as much as he did in each of them. But most importantly, the secrets of a perfectly grilled, medium rare steak – his being legendary this side of the Rockies. 

In memory of Shawn, his family asks that you do something small, and thoughtful today – pick up flowers to bring to a neighbor, call a sibling to tell them you love them. Put down your phone, be present and share stories, debate and trade laughs. Preferably with a (chilled) Malbec or cold Coors Light, and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors guiding the conversation. He’s certainly doing the same in Heaven tonight, with a few new friends and old, that’s for sure.

Visitation will be from 10am to 12pm, Saturday, August 18th, at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Avenue, Woodstock, IL. Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00pm, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 15012 St. Patrick Road, Hartland. Internment will follow at 2:30pm in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Woodstock.

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