Mr. Gus Kelly

Gus Kelly was born on July 17, 1940 to the union of Charlie Kelly and Gladys (Hilson)) Kelly in Brookhaven, Mississippi. Gus accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age. He served as a Youth Deacon at his church during his youth, and went on to join Heritage International Ministries Church of God in Christ (COGIC) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was very active in their Mission Department alongside Mother Andrea Ward. Gus received his formal education at Alexander High School in Brookhaven, Mississippi where he served as his class chaplain and graduated in 1961. Upon completing high school, Gus enlisted in the United States Army where he served and quickly rose to the rank of Sergeant. He went on to serve in the Army Reserves for another 18 years. After graduating high school, Gus and Hazel Benjamin enjoyed a long-term and relationship that produced a son Larry Benjamin. They enjoyed a friendship until his death. Gus graduated from Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi. After graduation, he relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to join his parents and siblings. Shortly after relocating to Milwaukee, Gus met and married Mary Ann Dodd. Their union produced 5 children, so that they would go on to raise a family of 6 incredible children. With his brother Hubert Kelly, Gus decided to attend the culinary arts program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. It was also there that he met Robert Ilk and Michael Koehn. After completing his program, Gus then moved on to the University of Wisconsin - Stout, where he both taught and completed a Master's of Science Degree in Home Economics Education. For a short time, Gus also had the distinction of being the first African-American home economics teacher at Brown Deer High school. Gus was offered a special assignment to write and design the curriculum that would become the culinary arts program at MATC's South Campus, with the understanding that he would go on to become the Lead Instructor when the program launched in January of 1978. It was then that he hired his classmates and friends Robert (Bob) and Michael (Mikey), and they would enjoy a lifelong relationship that spanned more than 46 years. They were classmates, friends, business partners, and brothers. Their influence in food service and education was seen across the festival, catering, and restaurant industries. They would meet weekly and enjoy lunch together until recently when Gus's illness made it impossible for him to join them. Gus would go on to retire from MATC when he had been promoted over the years to Associate Dean of the Culinary Arts program on all of the campuses of MATC. Gus was an avid volunteer and philanthropist serving The Boys Scouts of America, The Salvation Army, Milwaukee Public Schools, African World Festival, Inc., The American Legion Post 479, and a host of other charities and organizations across the Milwaukee community. Gus Kelly departed his life on September 28, 2016 after a 4-year battle with lung cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents Charlie Kelly and Gladys (Hilson) Kelly; his beloved wife Mary Ann (Dodd) Kelly; his loving daughter Dedrie Ann Kelly-Baldwin; his brothers Hubert David Kelly, Sr., William Henry Kelly, Jacob Peter Kelly, and Kenneth Ray Kelly; and his sisters Mary Charlene Hunter, and Earlene Erby. He leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted sisters Ellen Nelson, and Mary Sills. His children Larry (Leisha) Benjamin, Anthony (Carol) Kelly, Sr., Veronica Kelly, Chanin (Richard) Rae, and Orin Kelly, Sr. His grandchildren Jacquelyn Kelly, Cameron Kelly, Kodey Kelly, Larry Benjamin, Jr., Anthony Kelly, Jr., Sommer Kelly, William Rae, Wesley Rae, Orin Kelly, Jr., and Cha'Lynn Kelly, along with 12 great- grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, Godchildren, cousins, friends, and colleagues.

Mr. Gus Kelly

July 17, 1940 - September 28, 2016