Michael Eugene Kelly - Passes - Sunday December 22, 2013

[lschuc]

Michael Kelly passed away Sunday morning at home, surrounded by family in South Bend Indiana after a courageous battle with cancer. He resurrected the Avanti in 1987 and then again in 2001. Family has indicated they would welcome the presence of any available Avantis at the services.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Palmer Funeral Home, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana 46614

Michael Eugene Kelly, 64, passed away at 12:15 a.m. on Sunday, December 22, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family. Mike was born on October 6, 1949 in Indianapolis, IN to Leonard A. and Annie "Sue" (Hodgson) Kelly. His father preceded in death on November 15, 2012 and his mother preceded in death on February 9, 2013. On July 31, 1976 in South Bend at the South Side Church of God, Mike married Lory Lueth.

Along with his loving wife, Lory, survivors include his two daughters, Lori Kelly of Lakeville and Gwen (Jeff) Beem of North Liberty; two sons, Donald (Lupita) Kelly of Lakeville and Michael (Semi) Kelly of Cancun, Mexico; eight grandchildren, Keara, Elijah, Hannah, Grant, Sarah, Ashley, D.J. and Elena; one great granddaughter, Makenzie; and his sister, Linda (Jim) Lipp of Lakeville. Mike is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Ryan Lipp, Melissa Ells, Angie Youngstedt, Julie Dail, Carl Lueth, Brian Lueth, and Brad Lueth.

Mike was a gifted entrepreneur throughout his interesting career, with a wide range of business adventures, from Mike's Auto Body, Fantasy Vans, Casey's Mini Mart, MRC Enterprises (ethanol fuel additives), Raceway USA Family Fun Park and he was in real estate development in Mexico. However, the closest to his heart has always been Avanti. He had a passion for cars and he loved to lead others and share his knowledge with anyone willing to learn. He always look for new opportunities and ventures ---- always thinking, "What could I build next or how could I improve on that?"

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend. Rev. Jon Hueni will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Porter Rae Cemetery, North Liberty. Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, December 27th, and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Michael E. Kelly may be donated to the IU Health Goshen Center for Cancer Care, 200 High Park Avenue, Goshen, IN 46526. Online condolences may be offered to the Kelly family at

www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

.

[plwindish]

Rest in peace Mike, and (I think) also Avanti.