Francis J. Kelly

Francis KellyFrancis J. Kelly, 90, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, November 28th. He was born April 5, 1916, to Peter and Mary (Dononvan) Kelly, the last of eleven children. He lived his entire life in Billings, graduating from Billings High School in 1936

Frank was in the 701st tank battalion of the U.S. Army and served as an assistant tank driver and bow gunner in the European theatre of World War II for four years. His unit made the initial crossing of the Rohr River.

Frank was a construction boilermaker and member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers-Blacksmiths. He worked at many of the oil refineries and power plants around the state. He married Margaret R. Sullivan on November 24th, 1954 at St. Patrick's Church in Billings. They celebrated their 52nd anniversary last week. They had two daughters.

He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church, the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Elks Lodge # 394.

Frank was preceded in death by five brothers - Pete, Mike, John, Dan, and George and four sisters - Rose, Lillian, Mary Ellen and Alice.

He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Mary Wallgren (Terry) of Rancho Cucumonga, CA and Colleen Foreman (Ken) of Billings. Three grandsons, Brett Wallgren, of Rancho Cucumonga, CA, Kelly Foreman and Riley Foreman of Billings. He is also survived by his brother Thomas D. Kelly (Adeline), sisters in-law Kathleen Sullivan Hagen of Sarasota Florida and Marguerite Sullivan of Billings. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Frank was a wonderful husband and loving father. He made many friends in his life and will be missed by all who knew him.

Vigil service will take place at 7:00 Friday evening, December 1st at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 Saturday morning, December 2nd at St. Pius X Church.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.