Mr. Frank Austin Kelley

Mr. Frank Austin Kelley, 68, of Fond du Lac, WI, formerly of Peoria, IL, passed on August 24, 2022 in Fond du Lac, WI. Frank was born on October 13, 1953 at Sheppard Air force Base, in Wichita Falls, Texas to Shirley-Jean Wheeler and Keith Franklin Kelley. Frank began as an energetic and smart child who was eager to explore and to please. He grew up in a home filled with love that included three younger brothers, all eager to follow Frank's lead as the oldest son. Frank never failed to model good and positive things for them. Frank's vibrant life was colored by numerous adventures in youth, domestic and international travels, a memorable family life, and a rewarding career. The Quiet Storm known as Frank Kelley is, indeed, a memorable man who lived and approached life on his own terms . Early in life, Frank married the lovely Susan Givens, who preceded him in death. Together, they raised four brilliant children, Kathryn, Christopher, Andrea, and Matthew. He graduated from Manual High School in 1971. There he enrolled in Advance classes and played in the Concert Band, receiving the John Phillip Sousa Award for Outstanding Achievements. He went on to matriculate at the University of Illinois Champaign graduating with a Chemical Engineering Degree in 1975. Frank worked for two notable companies - Caterpillar Inc. and Mercury Marine. His career path began in chemical engineering, where he developed products and earned a distinguished reputation as a Tribologist. As an officer with the professional organization, STLE, he further collaborated with like minds to contribute innovative ideas to the Tribologist community. He accomplished and contributed much to the industry and gained notoriety. He retired in 2018. Frank loved music! He played alto saxophone and Fender Rhodes electric piano. This culminated with him playing in The ABB Plus Band which was short for the Alexander Brothers Band. The Band also included his brother Kenneth Kelley and lead vocalist Morris Jackson. The band played through-out Central Illinois and was the house band for the Peter H. Clark Elks Lodge and the Player's Lounge, in Peoria, Illinois. Frank appreciated meaningful lyrics and dynamic vocals with a romantic twist. It’s no wonder that his favorite singers were Lou Rawls and Luther Vandross as a close second. Frank's velvety and articulate voice seemed to mimic that of the maestro Barry White. Leaving to cherish Frank's memories is his devoted and caring wife, Rita Hale; his dear and devoted children, Kathryn and Christopher (Alyssa) Kelley, Andrea (Charles) Miner, and Matthew; his dear grandchildren, De'Niya, Mason, Austin, Brayden, Quentin, and Khalil; his 3 brothers, Kenneth, Gregory, and Donald (Marsha) Kelley and a host of nieces and nephews, other family and friends who loved him. He was proceeded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 7403 N. Radnor Road, Peoria, IL 61615. Rev. Kenneth Kelley will officiate. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to SimonsMortuary.com. Due to Covid-19, social distancing is encouraged to be consistent with recommendations from the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral home directors have been instructed and should follow CDC guidelines on gatherings, including those directly related to funerals, visitations, or graveside services. *In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we ask that everyone in attendance: wear a face mask and refrain from hugging, kissing and shaking hands (as hard as it is to see someone you care about and not touch them). *It is our responsibility as Funeral Directors, to do everything we can to advise families in order to honor our beloved Families and to keep everyone as safe as possible. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Tributes

Mr. Frank Austin Kelley

October 13, 1953 - August 24, 2022