Obituary of Annita Margreta Kelly

ANNITA "NITA" KELLY age 85 of Jefferson, formerly of Elm Grove passed away August 16, 2012 at Sunset Ridge in Johnson Creek. She was born on July 1, 1927 in Joliet Illinois, daughter of the Frank and Kristina Johansen. Nita was raised in Illinois and Wisconsin but treasured the two years she spent as a child in her parent's native Denmark on the island of Fyn. She often told the story of befriending a wild seal on the shores of Fyn. In Denmark she was called 'Pitten', a pet name that she secretly remained fond of into her later years. Nita was one of only two women at the School of Engineering when she attended the University of Wisconsin in the late 40's. While there, she met Gordon Kelly and they married on June 17, 1951. After raising their three sons, Nita took up making jewelry and awakened her creative side. Her talent in designing and making unique items of jewelry eventually lead her to opening a jewelry shop in Cedarburg in the 80's. After Gordon passed away in 1995, Nita moved to Jefferson and opened Nita's Place in Fort Atkinson, a gallery for local jewelers and artists. She will be deeply missed by her family, sons: Michael (Meg), Chris, and Scot (Susan) and grandchildren: Matthew, Ryan, and Jessica. Friends and family will be gathering at Café Carpe 18 S Water Street West Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 on Monday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (see; www.cafecarpe.com) a map with directions will be posted on the web site. Memorial may be given to Jefferson Rainbow Hospice or to Jefferson Food Pantry. On-line condolences may be offered at www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com.