Kelly J. Englebert

Kelly John Englebert, 62, of Appleton, passed away on July 12, 2026, following a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, loyalty, friendship, and love.

Born on November 21, 1963, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Willard and Bonnie Englebert, Kelly grew up in a home filled with hard work, humor, and close friendships that helped shape the man so many came to know and love.

For 38 years, Kelly was devoted to his wife, Danielle, his partner in life, travel, and every sunset worth stopping for. Together they built a family rooted in love, resilience, fun, and togetherness. Kelly was the proud father of Colin (Katie) and Anthony (Michelle), and the doting grandfather of three boys who lit up his world: Easton, Everett, and Griffin. He was also looking forward to welcoming his first granddaughter in September. Nothing brought him more joy than watching his grandsons grow, laugh, and discover the outdoors he loved so deeply.

Kelly lived life with a wonderful sense of humor and a trademark sarcastic wit. His ability to make people laugh was one of his greatest gifts. He was the person you wanted around your campfire, in your fishing boat, at your hunting cabin, or gathered around your kitchen table. He brought warmth, energy, and just the right amount of mischief wherever he went. If he gave you a hard time, it meant he cared about you.

He found peace and happiness in life's simple pleasures: sunsets and campfires at the cottage on the bay, long walks and hikes, time spent with friends at the Dunbar hunting cabin, and the thrill of feeling a tug on a fishing line. He was a fisherman, hunting buddy, camp cook, baseball coach, softball teammate, and role model who led by example, with patience, humor, and heart.

Kelly was an athlete and competitor through and through. Whether playing pickleball, softball, cribbage, racquetball, or competing in fishing tournaments over the years, he played hard, laughed often, and never backed down from a challenge. And if cornhole was involved, he was convinced he could beat anyone who dared to play. He was also a passionate sports fan, cheering enthusiastically, and sometimes colorfully, for the Packers, Wild, and Brewers.

Travel was one of Kelly's greatest joys. He loved the beach, the warmth of the sun, and adventures in places such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Florida, Arizona, and along the Mediterranean coast. He especially enjoyed traveling with a close-knit group of friends, sharing laughter, creating unforgettable memories, and turning every trip into an adventure.

Kelly's love language was unmistakable: bring together the people he cared about, cook for them, and make sure everyone left with a full stomach and even fuller heart. He was famous for his walleye fish fries, so good they made it hard to enjoy anyone else's.

Above all, Kelly will be remembered for his humor, generosity, adventurous spirit, and the way he made every occasion, whether big or small, feel special. He lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of laughter and kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Kelly is survived by wife Dani, his beloved mother Bonnie, siblings Jay Englebert and Dean (JoAnne) Englebert, and their children, Melody (Josh) Baldwin, Kristie (Avery) Smith, Taylor (Taylor) Englebert. He was a proud great uncle to Timothy and Amelia; Azure, Kalie, and Caston; Hadley and Waylon; and many extended family members who held a special place in his heart. Kelly was preceded in death by his father Willard Englebert.

He will be profoundly missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 13th, 2026, at Waverly Beach Bar and Grille N8770 Fire Lane 1, Menasha WI from 3pm- 8 pm. A special time for sharing memories and stories is set aside for 6:30 pm – 7 pm and beyond if needed.

Feel free to wear your favorite Packer gear as it is a Packer/Steeler Preseason game.

Please no flowers, any memorials will be dedicated to several scholarship funds in Kel’s name.