Donald J. Kelnhofer

Donald J. Kelnhofer, 74, Town of Byron, died on Thursday, February 10, 2011, at his residence. He was born November 28, 1936, in Milwaukee, W1, the son of Engelbert 'Bert' and Hilda Frank Kelnhofer. Don was currently employed by the Johnson Bus Company for the last 15 years where one of his positions was being the official bus driver for the Fond du Lac HS Cross Country team. For 14 years, he was also Santa Claus at Forest Mall, the Rosendale Lions Club, St. Matthews Church, and for many family's private parties,He graduated from Lake Geneva High School in 1954. While living in Milwaukee he and his brother, Dick, took tap dancing lessons. Both being quite talented danced in Milwaukee County parks and they enjoyed spending summers at their Grandpa Frank's farm in New London, WI. After high school, he attended Spencerian Business College. He then graduated from Reigh school of Auctioneering. He served in the Marine Corp Reserve from 1954 to 1956 and then enlisted in the US Army Security Agency. He served 3 years on active duty from 2/14/56.2/13/59. He served overseas in Alaska, which was not a state at the time. He was a member of the Wisconsin Sports Car Club and enjoyed running sports car rallies. He helped bring the Demo Derby to the FDL County Fair. He worked most of his life as a salesman and eventually owned and operated Kelly Distributing. He liked helping his daughters in Girls Scouts, especially camping trips, and was a member of the Girl Scout Council. He made sure his daughters learned how to ice skate, swim and fish, all of which he enjoyed. He also enjoyed traveling out West in their RV.Surviving are two daughters, Sue (Mark) Goulais of Campbellsport, and Jodi Reilley of Honolulu, Hawaii, three grandchildren, Michelle, Cassie, and Tessa Goulais. A brother, Richard (Peg) Kelnhofer of Lyons, WI also survives. His ex-wife, Carol Kelnhofer and brother-in-law Ken (Ellie) Baierl both of Fond du Lac, WI and many cousins, nieces, and nephews and special family friends the Laken family, including Amy and Seth, who were like another son and daughter to him. His parents preceded him in death.



Visitation for Donald J. Kelnhofer will be on Saturday, February 19, 2011, from 11 AM to 1 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1 PM at the funeral home on Saturday. The Rev. Rosenberg will officiate and cremation will follow the services.In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Donald's name. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com.