The longtime host of “Sheboygan’s Morning News” on WHBL radio has passed away. Kelly Meyer died of cancer last Thursday, surrounded by family at the age of 59.
Kelly, who was born in Manitowoc and grew up on the family farm near Cato, brought his easy-going humor and Wisconsin sensibilities to WHBL’s widely listened-to morning show for more than 24 years, both delivering news of serious events with appropriate gravity, while next finding the humor in stories of often-imperfect human experiences.
Kelly was a rare sort; exemplified, for instance, in how he showed his devotion to the Minnesota Vikings while still being a genuine Packers fan as well…something most around here might find impossible – but Kelly made it work. Banter with former news anchor Jon DeMaster – another local “farm kid” – made hard news days a little easier with a real local feel, and his welcoming manner with guests and his conversational expertise let them know that their stories were worth relating, too.
Kelly wasn’t afraid to let his audience in on his life, one that took unknowable turns when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Thyroid Cancer in 2017. In a facebook post on August 4th in which he announced his departure from the air, that set in motion a 7 year battle that was, in his words, “full of surgery after surgery and pain beyond description.” Yet he was rarely absent from the microphone and amazed everyone who knew him with his stamina, determination, and his love for communicating with the people of the Sheboygan area.
Kelly’s dedication and presence will be impossible to replicate. He began with WHBL in late February of 2001, earning the unofficial title of the “Voice of Sheboygan” during the nearly quarter century that followed. Another will have to earn that title over again…a high bar to match now that Kelly Meyer has set the standard. He will be deeply missed.
Visitation and a funeral for Kelly will be held on Saturday at the Ballhorn Funeral Chapels.
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