Kelly Anne O’Hanlon, our beautiful daughter, passed away on January 1, 2026, from medical complications. She was born on October 17, 1972, to Dean and Ruth Anne (Grove) O’Hanlon.
Kelly attended Grewenow Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High School, and Tremper High School, where she was actively involved in the Rambler and Black Watch marching bands, as well as FBLA. She went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1995, with a focus on Accounting and International Business. While at UW–Madison, Kelly was a proud member of the marching band, performing the beloved Fifth Quarter at home games and marching in the Rose Bowl Parade. In 2018, she earned her Master of Business Administration degree from the Jack Welch Management Institute.
Following her undergraduate studies, Kelly traveled to the Netherlands, where she was employed and embraced an international life. It was there that she met her future husband, Herman Westerhoud. Together, they worked and traveled to many places before settling in Seattle, Washington. Kelly and Herman were married on December 27, 2003. They continued their life together, living in Texas, Illinois, and, most recently, Colorado.
Kelly built a successful and driven professional career, holding leadership roles including Vice President of Finance and Corporate Controller. She was renowned for her keen business acumen, unwavering dedication, and exceptional professionalism.
Beyond her career, Kelly loved cooking for friends and family and found great joy in bringing people together. She eagerly embraced new adventures and enjoyed discovering fun and meaningful experiences wherever life led her.
Kelly is survived by her loving husband, Herman Westerhoud; parents, Dean and Ruth O’Hanlon; sisters, Jill O’Hanlon and Jodie (LaKentric) Thomas; sister-in-law, Miranda Westerhoud; brother-in-law, Alain Camonier; and cherished nieces, Kayla Thomas, Nevaeh Thomas, Korina Thomas, Lieve Camonier, and Karlijn Camonier; nephews Herman Diesch and Kees Diesch.
Kelly will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her love of family and friends, warmth, and adventurous spirit. Kelly maintained such a positive outlook throughout her illness; it was truly remarkable.
In remembrance of Kelly, the family encourages others to become organ donors and to support local blood centers, honoring her life and the hope she carried for others.
A heartfelt tribute to Kelly’s life will be held on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Kenosha Brewing Company, located at 4017 80th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142. We will start shortly after 1:00 p.m. with a remembrance prayer, and everyone is invited to share a story about Kelly during this moment or whenever they feel inspired during the celebration. At 1:30 p.m., a buffet will be available.
