Kevin Trausch-Kelly of Christopher, formerly of Morton Grove, died at 7:15 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at Herrin Hospital after a long bout with cancer.
Kevin will be interred at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Lake Forest.
He was born on July 19, 1959, in Evanston, the son of Patricia Kelly and the late Edward Trausch.
Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Edward Trausch; his paternal grandparents, Hank and Mary Trausch; his maternal grandparents, Peter and Charlotte Kelly; and two brothers, Kelly Michael and Kerry Daniel.
He is survived by his son, Benen Kelly; his mother, Pat Kelly; brother, Bryan Martin and sister-in-law, Sara; mother of his son, Laurie Boner and Benen's sister, Whitni Hale; aunt, Barbara Kelly; and cousins, Patti, Linda and Robbie Allare.
Kevin was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. His many friends knew that he loved expansive holiday decorations for Christmas, Halloween, Super Bowl and, most of all, Saint Patrick's Day -- a family tradition passed from his grandfather to mother to him, and now to his son.
Kevin's final wish was for the world to know that no son was as loved as his son Benen; and no father felt as loved as Benen made Kevin feel. Kevin considered every day with Benen a gift from God.
The family would like to offer a special thanks to those friends who remained loyal and steadfast, offering comfort during his time of need.
