Kelly S. O’Donnell, 63, a lifelong resident of Whitewater WI, passed away unexpectedly on June 15th, 2025, at Fort Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, WI.
Kelly was born in Fort Atkinson on August 17, 1961, the son of the late Eddie and Tina (West) O’Donnell. He graduated from Whitewater High School in 1980. After graduating high school, Kelly served in the U.S. Army and, afterwards, came back to his hometown and pursued a lifelong career as a machinist. Kelly retired in 2013 from the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Powertrain Plant in Menomonee Falls.
Kelly married Karen Sederholm on September 3, 1995, at Old World Wisconsin in Eagle. Ten years later, their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Emily. Kelly was devoted to his family and together they enjoyed traveling, going to movies, fishing, and hiking. He also had fun cooking for his family and indulging them with his infamous potato soup and “Mountain Man breakfast”.
Kelly was a past member of the Rock River Buckskinners and enjoyed going to various Rendezvous with his friends and family. Kelly was passionate about martial arts; he practiced various styles such as boxing and Shōrin-ryū karate. His interests also included volunteering as a weather spotter and perfecting his blade smithing and gunsmithing skills.
Kelly is survived by his wife, Karen, his daughter Emily, his brother Gary (Patty) O’Donnell, and sister Judy (Don) Jones, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. In addition to his parents Kelly was predeceased by his brother, Eddie (Brenda) O’Donnell and niece, Terri Ritterpusch.
Kelly will be remembered for his witty stories, his unusual sense of humor, his encyclopedic knowledge of history and his loyalty to his family and friends.
The family would like to give a special thank you to the Fort Memorial Hospital Emergency Room Staff, the Whitewater Rescue Squad, and the Whitewater Police Department.
A Celebration of Kelly’s life will be held at a later date.
Nitardy Funeral Home is assisting the family and online condolences can be made at www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
