Patty Gaines Aug 23, 2024

Fr Ken was so special to all our family. We were lucky enough to have him as our Parish Priest at St Pius and lucky enough to have him give our Mom last rites and preside over her funeral. They forged a special bond during his visits giving communion and enjoyed many lovely conversations along with one special one before she passed away. He treated everyone with kindness and his time at St Pius was cherished by myself and all his parishioners. May he Rest In Paradis and May Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him and Perpetual light shine upon him. He will definitely be missed.

Barbara O’Connell Crawford Aug 26, 2024

Friiend ,Glen Rose ,Texas

So sorry for this loss. Grew up with Ken and my sister, Kathy, was friends with Mary Pat. We would all meet at the little store by the Kelly’s house. Ken was always kind.

Cecilia Jaggard Aug 26, 2024

Long ago friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

I met Father Ken, when I was a teacher at Saint Joseph high school. He knew that I was recently divorced, and made a point of making sure I had a place to go for Christmas that year. Luckily, I could tell him I had a large family and I’d be OK. But the fact that he reached out to help me has always stayed with me. I will never forget him and his kindness. Thank you, Father Ken!

Dolores Holthaus Aug 27, 2024

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

Rita and family sorry for your loss. Fr. Ken was a special priest in our lives. You were also a special neighbor. Love and Prayers-- Lyle, Dolores and family

Carrie Setzkorn Aug 27, 2024

Parishioner and Scout Leader at SPX ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Father Ken was a wonderful pastor and St Pius was blessed to have him for so many years! He watched my kids grow up… As a Cub Scout Leader I have always appreciated his support of our scouts and all the youth in the parish. His enjoyment of seeing the kids participate in the mass, especially Scout Sunday, Catholic Schools Week, Children’s Choir, etc was very apparent! He is missed! Rest in Peace Father Ken!

Karen Kilgore Meinert Aug 27, 2024

Acquaintance ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I only had brief encounters with Father Kelly. He was one of the most sincere and charismatic priest, I ever met. He baptized both my grandchildren, and officiated several funerals, I attended. Pius was very fortunate to have him, as well as, his parishioners. May God shine eternal light upon his soul, and grant him eternal peace. Condolences to his family.

Bob Bibb Aug 28, 2024

Fmr parishioner & friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

I got to know Fr. Ken in 2004 when we buried my dad. Two yrs later he did the same for my mom. But, we personally hit it off over music, both of us guitar players, singers & then in bands. His band was The Priests. We socialized now & then including playing or hearing live music but my wife & I played cards with him one Friday night. He said he was ok with women being priests but he wasn’t sure they should play poker! That’s one little insight into this big spirited priest man. He was a great guy and great priest!

Denise Heying Aug 28, 2024

PARISHIONER - ,Stilwell, KS 66085 ,Kansas

Father was so kind to my mother for so many years. He was the first priest to do a home visit for her (She had Multiple sclerosis) and the last priest to visit before she passed- he made the trip to Stilwell to give her last rites and was the homilist at her funeral.) Our family will never forget his kindness. May he rest in peace - they are probably laughing together right now. . .

William varner Aug 28, 2024

Friend ,Overland park ,Kansas

I am sorry for your loss

Louis and Mary Finocchario Aug 28, 2024

grateful parishioners ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Fr. Ken was present within 30 minutes or so when my Mom passed, also there when my brother Bruno passed and baptized. some of our children and grandchildren. Of special note, Fr. Ken courageously allowed us to invite others from the pulpit to attend healthy eating sessions, Fr.Ken, attended a few sessions himself, Over 30 parishioners attended along with100 others, over the years. For a few, life changes were made, Thank you, Fr, Ken. My wife, Mary and I appreciated your trust in us.

Kevin mcgeeney Aug 28, 2024

Friend ,W Valley City ,Utah

Rest in peace my wonderful old friend. I attended Savior of the world seminary in '68-'70 where Kenny and I became close friends. He was an amazingly intelligent guy with such a quick witted sense of humor. His parents were wonderful and welcoming as well as I sometimes would spend the weekends with Kenny at his home. I was from S. Dakota at the time I was attending Savior. I last saw Kenny in 2008; when I went to visit my mother in Louisburg KS. and Kenny came to her 90th birthday party. God bless you my friend. I'll meet up with you again in heaven when it's my time to pass on.

Janie Snead Sep 03, 2024

Father Ken will be missed. He was my pastor since my daughter and I joined St. Pius back in 2004/05 (?). I went through RCIA and my daughter through school, Pre-K (@ St. Joe's, K-8th @ St. Pius/JPII - High School (Bishop Miege). He did all of our sacraments and holds a special place in my heart. He (re)taught my daughter how to set the Altar for communion...DURING Mass (yikes!, always the teacher!). When it was my turn to read (Lector), I ALWAYS had a question about the reading or about pronouncing a city or name; Fr. Ken always took the time to answer my questions and explain it simply. He always celebrated the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi by having us bring up all our pets (dogs, cats, ferrets, even birds) to our St. Pius parking lot and reading the name of each pet for their special blessing. There are too many joyful memories to recount. Again, I will miss Fr. Ken. I pray that he is in Heaven and able to fish (maybe with my dad) and enjoy his music. I am sorry for your loss.

Patrick Webb Sep 04, 2024

Former parishioner ,Staunton ,Virginia

Sometimes there are no words...only prayers of caring and love. Father Kelly was very near and dear to our family. My sister-Noreen, my brother-Mike, and I knew him as Father Kelly from school and church. He was close to my mom-Patricia and my dad -Frank. So close that Father Kelly officiated at both funerals from my mom and dad. We will dearly miss him and inturn extend our deepesrt sympathy. Patrick Webb

Will Jongenelen Sep 07, 2024

Classmate ,Salem ,Oregon

I want to express my sincerest condolences to Father Ken's family and friends. I was a classmate of Ken's at Savior and I always remember his humor, eternal smile and being to best soccer fullback! I know he will be missed and I pray for comfort for his family.

Linda Bosilevac Sep 07, 2024

Parishioner of St Joseph Church, Shawnee, Ks ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Fr. Kelly was a very special priest here at St Joseph Church. In his short 3 years here he made a huge in pack. We enjoyed his “Fr Ken’s Brain Teasers” (puzzles & quizzes) in our church newsletter, The News & Views. He was the 1985 Grand Marshall in Shawnee’s St Patrick Parade. One could see him around town with his metal detector looking for treasures. He was the hit at parish functions making his balloon animals. Always collecting & repairing pocket watches. I was always glad to be at one of his Masses. He related the Gospel to contemporary Shawnee. After he moved on from St Joseph’s as a priest, he came back to play his ukulele & harmonica with the Ukesters at the annual Shawnee Town Jammin ’on the Green concert. He always greeted his former parishioners with that youthful jolly friendly smile of his. The Angels just acquired a new musical member. Play on Fr Kelly. The music must never stop!

Chris varner Dec 03, 2024

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I am sorry for your loss on a wonderful and special friend,,, I will miss you father Kelly,