William Lee “Bill” Kaelin, 56, of Owensboro passed away April 2, 2025, at his home. He was born in Daviess County on April 9, 1968, to Stella Byrne Kaelin and the late Phillip “Jerry” Kaelin.
Bill was a licensed Nurse Practitioner at Matthews 25 AIDS Clinic, where he made a meaningful impact in his field. He had a deep love for travel, entertainment, and embraced life with enthusiasm, always savoring great food. Bill was driven by a passion for learning and proudly earned multiple degrees that further solidified his expertise in his specialty, the most prominent being the achievement of Specialist representing the American Academy of HIV Medicine, which he achieved in 2024.
Along with his father, Bill is preceded in death by his brother, Phillip Kaelin, Jr., his sister, Karen Kaelin, and his maternal and paternal grandparents.
Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Stella Byrne Kaelin; his siblings, Jeanette Kaelin Goodwin, Mary Elizabeth (David) Payne, David Kaelin, and Amber (Heath) Layson; his treasured nieces and nephews, Lauren Goodwin (TJ) Cleary, Natalie Goodwin, Megan Goodwin, Logan Kaelin (MaKaley Johnson), Nathan Payne, Kaelin Payne, Lucas Payne, Elizabeth Layson, Ruthie Layson, and Zoe Layson; his great niece, Raelynn Kaelin; his aunts and uncles, Connie (Ron) McKay, Steve (Shelia) Byrne, Joe (Roxanne) Kaelin, Vickie Payne, Larry (Norma) Kaelin, Ron (Becky) Kaelin, Mike (Kathy) Kaelin, Sheila (Bill) Boone, and Darlene (Terry) Mann, and innumerable cousins, friends, work family, and patients.
Prayer will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory, with Father Carl McCarthy officiating. Friends and family are invited to visitation at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home and Crematory, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with William Lee “Bill” Kaelin’s care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. Kaelin and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.