Traverse City, Michigan - Charles (Chuck) Louis Kelly of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away peacefully of natural causes on June 26, 2026 at the age of 96. He was born in Coldwater, Michigan, on August 6, 1929 to Don Calvin Kelly and Elizabeth Jean (Hutchins) Kelly. He lived in Elk Rapids, Michigan during his grade school years until the family moved to Traverse City where his father practiced dentistry.

He attended Traverse City Central High School and was very active in school government and everything musical. He was an accomplished clarinetist studying at Interlochen Arts Camp from 1943 - 46. He was active in scouting, a love he passed on to his five sons, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout, as did two of his sons.

Chuck attended the University of Michigan for his undergraduate and dental education, graduating from the school of dentistry in 1953. He continued his love of music during college, playing the clarinet in the Michigan Marching and Basketball bands. One of his fondest memories was playing in the band during the 1948 Rose Bowl.

In 1949, Chuck met the love of his life, Mary Dolores (Janusch) Kelly, at Rex Terrace on Elk Lake. They were married September 2, 1950 and welcomed their first son, Mike, 9 ½ months later.

Chuck had joined the Navy during college and served his two-year commitment in French Morocco. During that time, he and "Dee" welcomed a third son to their growing family. They subsequently moved back to the Traverse City area and Chuck set up a dental practice, initially in Kingsley, later joining his father's practice in Traverse City in 1957. After his father's retirement, the practice (Traverse Dental Associates) grew significantly. Eventually two of his sons, Patrick and Kevin, practiced with him until Chuck's retirement in 1988. As a dentist, Chuck studied and instituted a more holistic approach to his patients and stressed nutrition as a means of healing patients, not just treating them. He gave many lectures and travelled internationally teaching these concepts and was elected a Fellow of the International College of Dentistry in 1987.

In retirement, Chuck continued his love of music, woodworking and jewelry making for Dee.

They travelled extensively but were happiest on the water, spending many days and nights on their sailboat, exploring the Great Lakes.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years and eldest son, Michael. He is survived by his children Patrick Kelly (Mary), Kevin Kelly (Nancy), Daniel Kelly (Jan), Tracey Dreves (Rick), Timothy Kelly (Cindy), Colleen Andrews (Mitchell) and Michael's wife, Mary. He and Dee had 22 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.

Chuck will be remembered for his infectious smile, joy in life, inextinguishable energy, commitment to his wife, Catholic faith and love of his family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made on Chuck's behalf to Interlochen Center for the Arts and The Dennos Museum.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 from 5-7 pm with a Rosary prayed at 6:45pm at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. His Funeral Mass will take place at 11 am with a visitation starting at 10am on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at St. Francis Catholic Church with a luncheon to follow. Burial will take place next to his beloved wife at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com