SR0693 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0693 LRB104 21293 LAW 36062 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Milton Dow "Milt" Kelly of Fisher, who passed away on September 22, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Milt Kelly, the son of the late Floyd and Iva Kelly, was born in Champaign on March 15, 1949; he graduated from Fisher High School; he received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in music at the University of Illinois, where he played the trumpet in multiple student groups; and

WHEREAS, Milt Kelly began his career in music education in the Armstrong school district before returning to Fisher to lead its music program; he directed every student band in the district as well as the high school vocal ensembles; under his leadership, these programs thrived, regularly ranking among the top five music programs of comparable size in the State; during his more than 25 years in the district, he shaped the lives of countless students, and he treasured those relationships deeply; he was also a member of The Powell Family, a local musical group that performed traditional and contemporary Christian music, and he taught private lessons; and

WHEREAS, Milt Kelly coached baseball for several decades; he was deeply involved in the local Little League, organized weekend pick-up baseball games during the summer for local children for many years, and taught at baseball camps; he was a leader in the effort to start the baseball program at Fisher High School in the 1990s, and he served as head coach for more than 20 years; he also coached the golf team for several years; he continued coaching in retirement and was a fixture as a substitute teacher until his passing; and

WHEREAS, Milt Kelly also worked tirelessly for the Village of Fisher, a place he dearly loved, and sacrificed a great deal over the years to build the local community; he served multiple terms as a member of the Village of Fisher Board of Trustees as well as two stints as Mayor of Fisher, totaling nearly two decades; and

WHEREAS, Milt Kelly was deeply devoted to his faith and connected to a variety of churches over the years, being raised at Westside Church in Champaign, helping form Fisher Community Church, and attending CU Church; he served as a pastor, a worship leader, and a spiritual mentor to many, and he led numerous Bible studies; he took his faith seriously, living by example and with integrity; and

WHEREAS, Milt Kelly was a true sports fan, enthusiastically supporting the St. Louis Cardinals and the University of Illinois, as well as the Chicago Bears; he loved good food, and he treasured family gatherings over meals at home or restaurants; he enjoyed golfing at least once a month all year round, and after years of playing, he finally achieved a hole-in-one this year; and

WHEREAS, Milt Kelly, above all, loved and was dearly loved by his family; he cared for his wife deeply, enjoyed spending time with his sons and bestowing them with his wisdom, and loved watching his grandchildren's events; and

WHEREAS, At the time of his passing, Milt Kelly was survived by his wife, Connie; his sons, Ben (Nicole), Jon (Carolyn), and Nate (Jana); five grandchildren; his older brother, Mike; and his nieces, Julie and Lori; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Milton Dow "Milt" Kelly and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Milt Kelly as an expression of our deepest sympathy.