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Father John W. Kelley (December 21, 1932 - August 15, 2002) was Chaplin of the Nativity Men's Club from 1983 until his death in 2002. He had a great influence over the Men's Club, not only as an active Board member, but as an example of mediating temperament and Catholic fellowship which are still a hallmark of the Men's Club.
Born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Fr. Kelley was one of eight children. He took his studies in Aberdeen and Pierre, South Dakota, in Indiana and at the Crosier Seminary in Onamia, Minnesota. He took holy orders on May 30, 1959 as a Canons Regular of the Order of the Holy Cross or Crosier Priest. He taught and was business manager of the Crosier Seminary in Onamia from 1959 until 1972. From 1972 to 1982, Fr. Kelley was provincial procurator for the Crosier Province of St. Odilia in Shoreview, and from 1971 to 1977 he served at St. Stephen in Anoka.
He became an archdiocesan priest in 1978 and served Nativity Parish as an associate pastor and teacher from 1977 until 2002. Consistent with the mission of the Men's Club, Fr. Kelley was a favorite of the school children and a strong supporter of the scholarship fund. Bishop Peter Christensen, a former pastor of Nativity, said Fr. Kelley brought the sacraments to residents of a home for seniors and to homebound parishioners. “Although Father Kelley could in some situations be uncomfortable interacting with adults, he seemed to shine when given the opportunity to speak with our children,” Bishop Christensen said. “He was always ready with a story for the children and seemed to draw great delight from the questions they would ask him. His eyes would light up as he searched for the right, and often clever, response. The kids seemed to look past his sometimes rough exterior to find the soft heart that was inside.”
At Nativity, Father Kelley baptized 780 babies, performed 418 weddings and 663 funerals, and counseled “special” cases of couples referred to him before they married. Activities which bear the indelible mark of Fr. Kelley today are the Fr. John W. Kelley Cribbage Open and Fr. Kelley Cup, the Board Summer retreat and the President’s Party. He enjoyed golf and cards, especially bridge, cribbage and poker. He considered himself a “meat and potatoes” priest who motto was "I'm just doing my job!"
With his native Irish wit, Fr. Kelley always implored us to remember the better angels of our nature, that we were part of a greater community and to have fun.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
The sun shine warm upon your face
The rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.Fr. Kelley was buried in Resurrection Cemetery after his August 20, 2002 funeral at Nativity.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.;
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.Please remember Our Lady of Good Counsel Cancer Home.