Obituary of Craig J. Kelly

Kelly, Craig J. June 21, 1960 - April 17, 2019 Craig J. Kelly, age 58, died April 17, 2019, from complications after heart surgery, surrounded by those he loved. Craig was born on June 21, 1960, in Saginaw to Jim and Barb (Johnson) Kelly. He attended St. Andrews School, North Elementary/Jr. High, and graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1979. In 1983, he married Barbara Bourdow from Kochville Township where they resided and raised their two daughters, Nicole and Jessica. Craig worked many years for Bourdow Trucking Co. and then most recently for Bourdow Contracting with his working family, where he will be sadly missed. Craig was a lover of sports, sports, sports. He played modified softball and hockey in his younger years and was an avid U of M fan. GO BLUE!! When asked by his daughter if he went to college, he replied, "every Saturday." He bowled at Monitor Lanes in Bay City and was on a golf league at Bay Valley, where he got a hole-in-one. Craig also enjoyed many years as champ in both horseshoes and cornhole at the cottage. If he wasn't playing a sport, he was watching in person or on TV (many times on the phone with his dad discussing the play-by-plays.) Craig had a quick wit and was fun to be around. He enjoyed good times at Sand Lake, getaways up north to golf and visit the casinos, and winter trips to Florida. This man loved a vacation. Most of all, he loved a simple life with his wife, daughters, granddaughter and extended family, watching sports, playing games, and cookouts. Times with him were filled with love and laughter. He was blessed with a happy life. Craig leaves behind his wife, Barbara; his daughters, Nicole (Nick) Wilcox, and Jessica Kelly (Eric); his granddaughter, Kennedy Wilcox and Baby Wilcox expected in May; his parents, Jim and Barb Kelly; his sisters, Kim (Freddie) Stadler, and Lori (Joe) Walters; his mother-in-law, Patsy Bourdow; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Danny Bourdow, Mary Jo Walker, Billy Bourdow, Cindy Bourdow (Mel), Joe (Courtenay) Bourdow, and Gashaw and Leyu Lake. He also leaves behind many da-nieces and da-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, godchildren, and friends he considered family. Craig was predeceased by his younger brother, Todd Kelly; father-in-law, Dan Bourdow; and brother-in-law, Patrick Bourdow. Craig's family would like to thank his caregivers at Covenant HealthCare and Hoyt Nursing Centre for all the love, care, concern, and support they provided. FUNERAL: A funeral liturgy will be held for Craig at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 6400 McCarty Road Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Fr. James W. Bessert will officiate. Following Craig's wishes, cremation will follow the funeral Mass. VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. A Vigil will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a donation to The Kelly Family C/O Barbara Kelly, to support local charities in Craig's memory. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com