Ralph Kelly

Ralph Kelly, age 95, of Green Lake, passed away on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at Thedacare Regional Medical Center in Appleton, WI after a full life. Ralph was born on June 16, 1929 in Illinois, the son of Raymond and Caroline Kelly. He was united in marriage to Carol Flaherty on May 4, 1986 in Gurnee, IL and they were blessed with 54 years together. He served his county in the United States Army during the Korean War.  

The following is an interview by Kristin Radtke, Green Lake Reporter on September 20, 2007. She couldn’t have described Ralph’s life better. “Most local residents know Ralph Kelly as the co-founder of the local theater group, a husband to Carol, and a volunteer for the Green Lake Public School kindergarten. What’s less commonly known is that the Green Lake resident’s employment background included a stint as a model back in the late 1970s through early 1980s.  Kelly’s initial interests in music and voice training led him to study at Columbia College Chicago for acting and voice, and the Midwestern School of Broadcasting in the early 1970s. A career model he met talked into auditioning for well known agent Shirley Hamilton. The audition was a success, and Kelly became one of the faces represented by the Patricia Allen Agency in New York City. Kelly primarily did catalog and industrial modeling, with photos from his career depicting him demonstration items such as cars, camaras, and musical instruments. Only once did Kelly strike a pose on a runway, during a Chicago audition when the new models were announced. Kelly studied theater in New York City at Herbert Berghoff Studios and the Neighborhood Playhouse, and also did some modeling on the side there for about six years. Auditions were sometimes exacting and grueling. “It wasn’t easy,” Kelly recalled. “They were very fussy about what they do.” For example, Kelly once tried out for a Sealy Posturepedic commercial, where doodling on a pad of paper was required – and was rejected because he was left-handed. While modeling served as an intriguing side job, Kelly’s primary profession was in lithography. Other vocations included theater, interior decorating consultation, and radio broadcasting. Through troupes such as Mr. L’s Carousel Theater, he performed in productions ranging from “Fiddler On The Roof,” South Pacific,” and “A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum.” In addition, Kelly once ran a charm school for models in Beverly Hills. One of his more famous clients was Cheryl Crane, better known as Lana Turner’s daughter, which was especially meaningful for Kelly, considering that Turner was his favorite actress when he was growing up. Kelly looks back with extreme satisfaction on his days as a model and actor. “It was fun, and a wonderful experience,” he remarked. “I’ve only met wonderful people along the way. I can’t tell you how lucky I’ve been.” When Kelly and his wife, Carol, retired and moved to Green Lake, they started the Green Lake Community Players theater group in 1999. The couple have embraced their chosen community wholeheartedly, feeling a true sense of home here. “Green Lake is the ultimate,” Kelly said.”

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Carol; and a step brother, Michael Kelly of Newport, TN; nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, and 1 sister.

Per the wishes of Ralph, cremation has taken place with no services. Interment will take place at Dartford Cemetery Columbarium in Green Lake at a later date. Memorial donations to celebrate Ralph, can be directed to the Green Lake Public School, 612 Mill Street, Green Lake, WI 54941; or to the Green Lake Area Animal Shelter, PO Box 26, Green Lake, WI 65941. Divine Passage Funeral Home is serving Carol during this difficult time. Divinepaasagefunerals.com

That man is a success… who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; Who has gained respect of intelligent men and love children; Who has filled his niche and accomplished his talk; Who leaves the world better than he found it…. Whether by an improved poppy – a perfect poem or a rescued soul; Who never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; Who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph Kelly, please visit our floral store.