Kelley Braaksma

Kelley L. Braaksma, age 63, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away Friday, September 5, 2025 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.

Kelley was born June 11, 1962 in France to Edwin and Ilene (Williams) Keller. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 1980 and went on to attend the College of St. Mary Nursing School where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She married Byron Braaksma on September 15, 2001 at Lake Sherwood in the Town of Rome.

She worked as a nurse at various places in central Wisconsin in the emergency department, home health, and mental health. She also enjoyed working on her family’s cranberry marsh, Anawa Creek Cranberry Marsh, especially driving tractors.

Kelley was an excellent water skier. Growing up, Kelley and her brother Doug were active with the Shermalot Waterski Team. Kelley loved to travel. When she was young, her family would take wilderness canoe trips. More recently, she and Byron enjoyed yearly fishing trips to Manitoba, Canada. She also enjoyed trap and skeet shooting and participating in competitions.

Kelley is survived by her husband, Byron and nephew Tim Cantrell. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Douglas Keller.

Per Kelley’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or service.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family.