Obit: Kelly, Matthew T. (1922 - 2018)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Johnson, Kelly, Klamer, Price, Wiggins

----Source: The Heindl Funeral Home (Phillips, Ogema, Prentice, WI) 4/25/2018

Kelly, Matthew T. (10 NOV 1922 - 22 APR 2018)

Matthew T. Kelly, 95, Phillips, longtime resident of Lugerville, died on Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Lakeside Villa Senior Housing, Phillips, while under the care of Flambeau Home Health Care and Hospice and his family.

He was born on November 10, 1922, in Milwaukee, the son of Martin and Frances (Klamer) Kelly. He made his home in the Phillips area with his family as a child. He attended the Lugerville Grade School and then graduated from Phillips High School, Class of 1940.

He served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corp in WW2 in the European Theatre of Action from 1944 to 1945, as a helicopter pilot. Following his military service he returned to the United States. He was married to Julia “Ruth” Price. They later divorced. He continued his education and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from North Carolina-Chapel Hill. He was then married to Shirley Johnson. She preceded him in death.

He then returned to military service during the Korean Conflict in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1952, also as a helicopter pilot After military service. he received his Masters Degree in Education from U.W. Madison. He spent 28 years in education as a teacher, principal, and superintendent prior to his retirement.

After retirement he made his home in Lugerville where he and his son Dave began their current business Flambeau Sports.

In his free time he enjoyed being active with his community and his family. He is a member of the Frank and Michael Baran VFW Post #5778, the Lane-Kreiling American Legion Post #122, both of Phillips, and actively involved with the Lugerville School Committee.

He is survived by 3 sons: Kai (Michelle), Prentice, Dave and John, both of Lugerville, by 6 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 2 brothers: Fred (Betty) Kelly, Lugerville, and Patrick, Arizona, and by 1 sister; Rosalie Wiggins, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, by his wife Shirley, by 1 daughter Linda, and by brothers and sisters.

Interment will be in the Lakeside Cemetery at a later date.

A celebration of life will take place later this year at the Lugerville Grade School.

The Heindl Funeral Home, Phillips, is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.heindlfuneralhome.com.