James C. Kelnhofer aka "Kelly", 75 of Elkhorn, WI, passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at his home. He was born February 8, 1949, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of the late Joseph and Carol (Emmerich) Kelnhofer. Kelly graduated from Delavan Darien High School with the Class of 1967. He owned and operated Kelly's Bar for over 30 years.

As one of Kelly's oldest friends reminded us, 'every man dies, but not every man lives' and there is no doubt, Kelly lived! When receiving the news of having stage four liver cancer in February 2023, Kelly was told by the doctor that he'd never seen someone take the news so well and his response was something along the lines of, 'well I've had such a great life'.

When we look at a few of the many chapters of Kelly's life, he did everything at 110% — snow skiing, water skiing, builder, world traveler, entrepreneur, computer wizard, band member, golfer, space enthusiast (among numerous other hobbies), and especially his dedication to being a dad.

Kelly put so much work and focus into the things he did and was always eager to share his skills and inspire others with the knowledge and experiences he gained throughout his lifetime.

Kelly is survived by his daughter, Ashley (Shaun Banta) Kelnhofer, grandson, Kohen Banta, five siblings, Cathy (J.P.) Beierle, Christine (Rich) Braun, Joseph Kelnhofer, Sharon Seifert, John (Dee) Kelnhofer, his former wife, Dana Jones, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Gene Seifert.

A Celebration of Kelly's Life will be 11:00AM to 2:00PM on Sunday, May, 19, 2024 at Evergreen Golf Club, N6246 US-12, Elkhorn, WI 53121.  Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Homes and Crematory completed arrangements for the Kelnhofer Family. Online guest book at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Yerkes Future Foundation, Attn: Erin Cullen, 373 W. Geneva St. Williams Bay, WI 53191 or online at yerkesobservatory.org/donate .

Kelly touched so many lives, had so many amazing friends, and the family would be honored to hear your favorite memory.

Yerkes Future Foundation Attn: Erin Cullen
373 W. Geneva Street, Williams Bay WI 53191
Web: http://yerkesobservatory.org/donate.