Todd Michael Kelly was born March 7, 1962, in Kalamazoo, MI to Allen and Patrecia Kelly. He died on May 24, 2023, in his home from sudden cardiac arrest. Todd graduated from Vicksburg High School, Taylor University, and Western Michigan University where he received his MSW. He married Jennifer Marie Davis on April 2, 1988. Todd and Jennie rode their bicycles coast to coast twice, as well as from Montana to Alaska. He was a social worker at South Bend Schools, Lifeline Youth and Family Services, White's Residential and Family Services, SAFY, and was currently employed at Elkhart Community Schools. He was an elder at Crossroads Evangelical Free Church for many years. He was passionate about raising Belted Galloway cows on their home, Whippletree Farm, west of Plymouth, IN.
Todd was a man of integrity, compassion, and had a great sense of humor. One of the guiding principles of Todd and Jennie's marriage was hospitality, opening their home to many people over the years. He had a heart for the underdog and was a father figure to many. He never lost his sense of curiosity. Under the goofiness and practicality of daily work, was a true, innocent curiosity about people and their stories, about creatures, about the world.
One part of Todd's legacy is that the world is a better place because of him. He was a man that gave, in many ways, to many people. He gave love to his family, guidance to troubled school kids, encouragement, and wise advice to many. He was a never-faltering example of a simple godly life. As we grieve, let us resolve to emulate that giving to others and love of God. Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: you shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these" (Mark 12: 30-31). Todd lived this way, so may we.
Todd was a man unafraid to chase his dreams. His interests were too numerous to mention, but include organic farming, biking, backpacking, restorative justice, motorcycles, mentoring, paragliding, bagpipes, kayaking, rotational grazing, Euchre, foster care, coffee brewing, great deals on farm equipment, draft horses, playing the banjo, brewing cider, experiential education and high rope course, procrastination, hunting, and most recently brewing kombucha and developing a micro-loan program for farmers in Zimbabwe.
Todd is remembered by his beloved wife Jennie of 35 years, his children Audrey (Eric), Caleb (Lauren), Eliza and Claudia. Grandchildren Miriam and Michael Clark, and Kara and Natalie Kelly. Mother Patrecia Kelly, and siblings Scott (Sheril) Kelly and Kathy (Brad) Belcher and numerous nieces, nephews and many who regarded him as their father figure. He is welcomed in heaven by his father Allen Kelly and his dear friend, Bob Read.
A private interment will be held at New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth. A visitation will be held at 5:00 pm, Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Young Amphitheater, Plymouth, Indiana, across from the high school. Memorial services will be at 6:00 pm Wednesday at the amphitheater, the family has asked that you bring a chair and or a blanket.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send memorial contributions to Coldwater Foundation, which Todd supported passionately. Please send donations to coldwaterfoundation.org.
Condolences may be sent to the family through the website: www.johnson-danielson.com
