William "Bill" Kelleher

William (Bill) Kelleher, age 60, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, August 10, 2021. He was born in Battle Creek, MI April 10, 1961, the son of Mary “Penny” (Mantle) Peterson and the late Dr. George Thomas Kelleher.

He attended Lakeview High School and received an Associates Degree in Political Science and History from Kellogg Community College. A life-long learner, he developed a keen interest in the United States Constitution and was an avid reader of U.S. History.

His warmth and love of people gave rise to careers that helped others. Early on he worked in health care, first as an orthopedic technician and then as a home health care-giver. Later, he found a love of fund-raising working for the fire fighters and, most recently, for his own non-profit, Project Michigan. He was passionate about this mission: to inform, educate, and engage Michigan citizens in the political process and state constitution. His last project, a mural dedicated to veterans, was permitted to be painted on the large grain towers next to Veterans Memorial Bridge in Battle Creek.  A well-known muralist had drafted the artwork for the project. Sadly, this effort was cut short by Bill’s untimely death.

He had an interest in Kendo martial arts, eastern philosophy and religion. He had a great love of nature and traveled all over the country visiting friends and family. He explored most of the National Parks in the United States. He had an abiding love of history, was an avid reader, a great movie buff, and a lover of animals. Most importantly Bill was a loyal and loving friend and family member.

He will be remembered for his curiosity, intelligence, philosophical mind, and above all his humor. He was described by friends and family, as having a great and wonderful sense of humor and did his best to uplift others with a friendly joke.

William is survived by his mother, Mary “Penny” Peterson; his siblings, Elizabeth Kelleher, Robert (Patty) Kelleher, and Susan Kelleher Jakowalski, David Kelleher (deceased); his cousins Scott Morris, Andy Morris, Kyle Morris, Nelson Mantle, Kimberley Stokes; and many dear friends, including Rick Daniels and Greg Weeder.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 20, 2021, at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 2838 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek, MI 49015, with Rev. James Codde officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) at https://www.ASPCA.org .

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, or leave messages for the family.