Kreg J. Kelley

Hancock

Kreg James Kelley, 59, a resident of Hancock, passed away in peace and comfort,

surrounded by his family, on Monday, June 16, 2025, after experiencing an unexpected

medical emergency. In his final weeks, he enjoyed life as usual - grilling and deep

discussions with his children, Sunday family dinner with his children and grandchildren,

and daily FaceTimes with his granddaughter Hadley.

Kreg was born September 29, 1965, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Kenneth Gilbert

Kelley and Karen Jeanné Kelley. He was raised in Middleville and graduated from

Thornapple-Kellogg (Middleville) High School in 1984. He graduated from Michigan

Technological University with degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

Kreg met his wife Karen when they were children at Caledonia United Methodist church.

Through youth group activities, they kindled a friendship that later turned into love.

Consistent with the stubborn and tenacious personality we all know and love, Kreg

chased her until she agreed to marry him on August 17, 1985, and the pair moved to

Houghton, where he was attending college. During their 40 years together, they

cherished time with family, enjoyed adventures around the world, and played league

bowling with friends Linda and Terry Reynolds, who served as mentors in their early

marriage. Throughout their marriage, they grounded themselves in Christ and relied on

God's promise in Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens

me." (NKJV)

Kreg loved many in his quiet, steadfast, behind-the-scenes kind of way. He didn't

always speak his feelings, but he showed them through his actions, truly embodying a

Christ-like servant's heart. He had a profound sense of humor and enjoyed a good

debate. He enjoyed bowling throughout his life, sharing the sport with many of his

children and friends.

In 1998, he began his career as a software engineer, specializing in thermal imaging

technology, a passion he pursued for 27 years, accumulating six U.S. patents. His long-

standing colleagues remember him for his reliability, dry humor, love for his family, and

extensive knowledge of all things science. His children have all been influenced by his

passion and strong work ethic. They all fondly remember him jamming out to hard rock

while coding. He was everyone's favorite IT support, correctly asserting: "I can fix

anything as long as a keyboard is attached."

His greatest pride and joy in this life was his family - he loved geeking out with his kids,

offering them sage wisdom, and loving on his grandchildren. The love he had for his

children and grandchildren was "a bottomless vein in my heart" (his words), and he lived

his life with intention as an example to draw his kids to Christ.

Kreg was actively involved in sharing his faith as a volunteer for various ministries

including: Keryx Prison Ministry, Summer Games Camp (with his family), 2x2, Emmaus,

and Grace United Methodist church for over 25 years. More recently Kreg was one of

the founding members of the Keweenaw Global Methodist Church and served on the

administrative board.

Kreg's life was well lived, and he would want us to focus on the good times we all

shared. He is in a better place with his Lord and Savior. One-of-a-kind even in death, he

was the first at our local hospital to donate organs and tissues through Gift of Life

Michigan, saving/helping three people so far.

Preceding him in death is his dad Kenneth Gilbert Kelley. Surviving are his wife Karen

(Passenger) Kelley, his children Kristen Kallio, Kyle Kelley (Audrey), Keith Kelley (Kara),

Katelyn Brinks (Randy), Kevin Kelley (Mary), his mother Karen Jeanné (Bliss) Kelley,

brother Kirt Kelley (Elaine), and his grandchildren Kenna Kallio, Everett Kelley, Luka

Kallio, Holly Kelley, Hadley Kelley, and another baby girl in the fall. He will also be

missed by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A service in celebration of his life will be held on Monday June 23, 2025, at Grace

United Methodist Church, Houghton. Visitation will be at 9:00 am, service at 11:00 am,

followed by a luncheon at the church. The service will be live streamed on YouTube

(https://www.youtube.com/live/R65huuYLfno) for anyone wishing to participate remotely.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Kreg's memory to Gift of

Life Michigan (https://giftoflifemichigan.org) to support saving lives through organ and

tissue donation.

To view Kreg's obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net

The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service - Hancock Chapel has been assisting the family with the arrangements.