Michael L. Kelley

MICHAEL LEE KELLEY was born on February 24, 1944 to Paul and Viola (Zimmer) Kelley at the hospital in Tyler, Minnesota. He grew up on a farm north of Tyler and graduated from Tyler High School in 1962. Mike worked for the Tyler Elevator and Tyler Concrete Products Inc. where he drove ready-mix trucks. He also worked for Mel Bornhoft Construction doing agricultural, commercial, and residential concrete construction. In July of 1969, when Mel Bornhoft purchased Tyler Concrete Products Inc. Mike was transferred to the ready mix plant doing maintenance, driving truck, and dispatching. Eventually he moved on to become the plant manager before his retirement in 2013. After a short move to Redwood Falls, Minnesota, he returned to Tyler and occupied several homes before purchasing his current home in 1970. Through mutual friends, Mike was introduced to Karen Struss and the two were married on July 4, 1975 at Danebod Lutheran Church in Tyler. They went on to share 43 happy years together. Mike passed away peacefully with Karen at his side on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at the home they shared together in Tyler. He was 74 years, 10 months, and 22 days old.

Mike was a lifetime member of St. Dionysius Catholic Church in Tyler. His faith was paramount in his life and he was extremely dedicated to his church. Mike served as a Parish Council Member, Eucharistic Minister, and a part of the Men’s Group. He assisted with numerous construction and remodeling projects at church and his home, where he would often redo rooms multiple times until they met his high expectations. Mike’s dedication and loyalty showed through in every aspect of his life, especially his work. Mike served on the St. Dionysius Catholic Cemetery Board and volunteered with the Tyler Fire Department for 20 years, even serving a term as chief. The miracle of God’s creation visible in the outdoors was not lost with Mike. He loved to admire it while golfing, hunting, and fishing. He was a member of the Tyler Archery Club and the Rod and Gun Club. Mike was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather with an enduring sense of humor, even in adversity. He will be greatly missed.

He will be remembered by his wife, Karen of Tyler; sons, Brad (Carrie) of Oakdale, Minnesota, Chris (Kelli) of Pipestone, Minnesota, and Trent (Brittney) of Elkhorn, Nebraska; grandchildren, Brittany Elsasser, Nicole Munsch, Casey, Shaun, Brett, and Tiffany Kelley; great-grandchildren, Nolan and Piper Munsch; and siblings, Audrey Odland, Colleen Kelley, Jean Sherman, Mary (Don “Butch”) Balster, and Greg Kelley; sisters-in-law, Marge, Cathy, and Cleo Kelley. He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Laurie; son, David; parents, Ted and Viola; siblings Joan, Chuck, Clair, Carroll, and Kak.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Avera@Home Tyler Hospice.