Joel Benjamin Kelly

Joel Benjamin Kelly, age 73, of Marshall, passed away on Monday, May 2, 2022, at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Joel was born in Marshall on February 19, 1949, to Ben and Jean (Boyd) Kelly. He worked as a Mailman for the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, retiring in October of 2018 after thirty-three years of service. He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. On January 31, 1976 he married Diana Day. Joel was an outdoor enthusiast. He was an avid hunter and ice fisherman. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Diana. Together they visited all forty-eight continental states. During these trips he enjoyed taking many photographs to remember their adventures. He enjoyed mushroom hunting and would share the mushrooms he found with others, but he would never share his secret locations! He enjoyed spending time outside and was meticulous about his yard. More than anything, Joel loved his grandchildren and spent as much time with them as he could.

Joel is survived by his loving wife, Diana Kelly; son, Tim (Ginger Obermyer) Kelly; grandchildren, Ethan Kelly and Madyson Kelly; four honorary grandchildren, Cooper Obermyer, Tucker Obermyer, Nora Love, and Claire Love; two Brothers, Mike Kelly and Ben Kelly Jr.; and his mother-in-law, Phyllis Day.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ben Kelly Sr. and his mother, Jean Kelly; and his father-In-law, Kenneth Day.

Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N, Marshall, MI 49068. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Jacob Washburn will officiate the service. After the service military honors will be conducted by the United States Army. A luncheon will follow the services in the Kempf Reception Hall. Memorials are suggested to the Wilder Creek Conservation Club, 19833 D Dr S, Marshall, MI 49068, http://www.wildercreekconservationclub.org/ . Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave messages for the family.