Kelly Richard VanAlstine

Kelly was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 5, 1968. His parents moved to Ann Arbor in 1973. He graduated from Lakewood Special Ed Program in 1993. He worked at the Ann Arbor News downtown building under Bill Dorrow and at the new factory from 1990 to 2010. He loved his job with the news which ended when they stopped the daily newspaper. He attended Liberty Club, in Saline, a day program for adults with disabilities from 2011 to the present. There he participated in many activities such as, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, reading to preschoolers and helping in the Saline District Library. He enjoyed the many field trips and especially “the word of the week”. During COVID he participated on Zoom. He also worked part-time at Dominos on Jackson Rd.

Over his lifetime Kelly accomplished many goals that required hard work and determination, such as skateboarding, water skiing on Pleasant Lake, learning to drive, and owning his own car. He was a good bowler and made lots of strikes and “turkeys” and beat us often. Kelly loved music! He collected and played guitars, wrote songs, and sang karaoke. His music therapist Lynn Chenoweth was wonderful.

Kelly is survived by his mother and father Cheryl Singler and Jeff VanAlstine, stepmother Gloria VanAlstine, grandmother Beverly VanAlstine, brother Hans, half-sister Stephanie (partner Brenden), step-brothers Brett and Matt Bauder (wife Kate and baby Gina), maternal aunt Phyllis, paternal aunts Holly and Linda and uncle Greg, great aunt Nancy, and many cousins.

Kelly loved the dogs that were part of his life, Daisy, Cooder, Buster, Romeo, Disney, Monkey and his chatty cockatiel. He was loved and cherished by us all and he loved us back in droves.

We want to sincerely thank the many people who loved and supported Kelly. Dr. Harvey Falit was Kelly’s psychiatrist for 40 years since Kelly was 13 years old. His consistent guidance and sessions with him over all these years have allowed Kelly to navigate his journey in this world. We would like to recognize his many special education teachers, especially his drivers' education teacher Fred Karr who told Kelly, “You’re a driver!” After 2 years of lessons, he passed his driver’s test and got his first car. As an adult, Liberty Club in Saline is where Kelly was able to grow in knowledge, skills, and confidence. Thanks to all the staff and his friends at Liberty Club especially founder and director Jacque Macy. Cheryl Petty, his CMH caseworker was greatly appreciated for her assistance and personal touch. He was enriched by all of his “bosses” over the years who helped him be a productive and happy employee.

Since his battle with melanoma began in 2018 numerous health care workers have shown compassion, humor, and expert care. Kelly’s oncologist Dr. Christoper Lao at Michigan Medicine Cancer Center became his trusted friend. He received loving, personalized care for the past 15 months at A and R Premiere Care by Randeep and Dean Reddick. In his final days, the staff at Arbor Hospice provided the gentle and respectful, loving care that he needed and also provided support to our family.

We will remember Kelly for his polite and kind nature, his infectious smile, his quick wit and cool sense of humor. He showed us how to “live in the moment” and look forward to the future.

Donations in Kelly’s honor may be made to Liberty Club, 7265 North Ann Arbor St. Saline MI 48176. You may also donate online at: https://saline.revtrak.net/special-education/#/v/-liberty-club-kelly-vanalstine-donation

A small group of family and close friends will gather to spread his ashes.

Arrangements by Muehlig Funeral Chapel.

Condolences may be sent to the Family of Kelly VanAlstine, 1471 Jewett St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104