Longtime city alderman, county board supervisor dies

Tom Kelly, a long-serving member of both the Rhinelander Common Council and the Oneida County Board of Supervisors, passed away Thursday, Feb. 1, at the age of 81, his family reported.

Kelly represented Rhinelander Aldermanic District 4 for more than 15 years. He was first elected in 2008 and served until last month when he tendered his resignation. 

City administrator Patrick Reagan offered a tribute on behalf of the city.

“The City of Rhinelander mourns the passing of Alderperson Tom Kelly,” he told the River News. “Tom was a dedicated leader who actively worked for the betterment of the City while serving on the Common Council. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this trying time.”

Kelly had served on the county board, representing District 2 (Rhinelander Wards 5,6, and 17), since 2014. In late December 2023, he filed a notice of non-candidacy for the spring election. Mayor Kris Hanus is running unopposed to fill that seat. Kelly’s council seat is expected to be filled by early March. 

In a special meeting held Jan. 29, the council voted to fill the vacancy by special appointment. 

Interested parties have until the end of February to apply. Whoever is chosen will serve the remainder of Kelly’s term which is scheduled to expire in the spring of 2026. 

Reagan was directed to prepare a questionnaire to be distributed to the candidates prior to the council vote. 

After the special council meeting, Hanus reflected on Kelly’s status as the elder statesman of the council.

“He has seen a lot,” the mayor said. “He is the longest serving member on this board currently by a cycle or two. There’s a lot of history there from back when Dick Johns was mayor, Chris Frederickson, myself and more aldermen than I can name. He’s been here quite awhile so it’s going to be different not having him here.”

Kelly’s obituary, with service information, is published on Page 4.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected]