Michael John Kielley
Michael John Kielley, 70, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Friday, Jan. 22, 2021, at his home in Patch Grove Township.
On April 14, 1950, Floyd and Anna Kielley were blessed with their youngest son, Michael John Kielley. Although being born in Madison, Michael grew up on the Kielley family farm on the outskirts of Cottage Grove. It was there that Mike began his adventurous life. Growing up, side by side with his only sibling, his older brother Terry Kielley, they single handedly caused their mother every grey hair she had. Soon after graduating from Marshall High School, he married the mother of his children Deborah (Cadwell) Evans. In their 20-plus years of marriage, they enjoyed the birth of their three children: Timothy, Todd, and Tobi. They eventually settled in Sun Prairie, where Mike was a skilled carpenter. He owned and operated his own business for many years until his early retirement.
Mike eventually moved to his own little slice of heaven in Patch Grove; it was there he bought and renovated a small little farm. To neighbors and friends, it was called “Kamp Kielley.” On Sept. 29, 2001, he married Susan Gennerman. They enjoyed over 20 years together until Susie’s untimely death in November 2019. They enjoyed and looked forward to the annual Gennerman family camping trip. Mike also spent all his years as an avid hunter and fisherman. Taking numerous trips to Canada, Montana, and of course, up north with family and friends, filled his life with lifelong memories and stories to make you laugh. Mike spent many years as an accomplished and extremely talented woodworker. “Papa” Mike spent years building, refinishing, and creating each of his four grandchildren, Heather, Syd, Montanna, and Brody, a special gift to cherish for a lifetime.
Michael is survived by his children: Todd (Michelle) Kielley of Glen Haven, and Tobi Spatola of Sun Prairie; the apples of his eye, his grandchildren, Heather (Hannah) Spatola of New Berlin; Sydney Spatola of Sun Prairie; Montanna Kielley of Glen Haven; and Brody Kielley of Glen Haven; his mother-in-law, Harriet Gennerman, and the entire Gennerman family; his nieces and nephew, Angela (Mike) Herl, Diane (Andy) Corbett and Rick (Becky) Kielley. He also leaves behind numerous extended family and lifelong friends.
We understand and respect everyone’s views on COVID. We also understand some are not comfortable in public settings. We know that you would be there under different circumstances. We appreciate your love and support during this difficult time via in person or remote. In keeping with Michael’s wishes, family and friends may call on Saturday, Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Martin Schwartz Funeral Home and Crematory in Bloomington. A celebration of Michael’s life will then continue at Tranel’s Canal Street Restaurant and Bar in Bloomington.
