Patrick “Mike” Kelley Sr., of Sharon, passed away Nov. 29, 2020, at the age of 80.
He was born Nov. 25, 1940, in Elkhorn, the oldest of 11 children to Donald and Doris Kelley.
Mike was in the first graduating class at Big Foot High School in 1959. He looked forward to the class reunion every year with all his old classmates. Mike lived and worked in Walworth County for most of his life. He was a very talented sign painter. Everyone knew him and the talent he possessed was unbelievable. Mike was very passionate about his work, which included painting cars, trucks, signs, billboards, boats, windows; you name it.
You would be hard pressed not to spot his work while driving around southern Wisconsin. Mike had an unbelievable personality, he was a big jokester; he loved pulling pranks and could talk to anyone. His laughter was very contagious. He was known by his family as “Poops.” He was passionate about his Wisconsin sports and his first love was the Green Bay Packers (to the ire of his traitorous Bears fan daughters.) No matter whom they played, he always thought they should win and if they lost, the other team cheated or the referees made a bad call. You could always spot Mike sporting one of his favorite sports teams.
Mike was an avid pool player and played on several pool leagues throughout his life. He had a love for antique cars and would travel with his friends and family to car shows. His passion for old cars would show whenever the topic came up. Mike restored a 1966 Olds 98 Convertible and he built (with help) a 1934 Ford hot rod, his “Pride and Joy.” He would comb through his antique car magazines in his free time. It did not matter what it was, he could see a picture and tell you what kind of car it was and the year. He spoke non-stop about his 1957 mint green Chevy convertible, the first car he purchased and his ultimate favorite.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Patricia L. (Lami) Kelley; his son, Glenn; his sister, Glenna Wilkinson; his brother, William “Bill”; his brother-in-law, James York; his brother-in-law, Norman Pischel and his parents, Donald and Doris.
Mike leaves behind a son, Patrick M. (Lisa) Jr. and his daughters, Patricia “Tricia” (Clayt) McDonough and Margaret “Peg” (Patrick) Henry, as well as his four grandsons, Patrick lll, Kristopher, Brendan and Rowen J. McDonough.
He is also survived by his four sisters, Trudy Pischel, Peg (Bob) Coulman, Noreen (Ray) Ashcraft and Donna York; as well as his four brothers, Don, Jim, Bob (Lori) and Kelly (Char). He leaves behind several nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces as well.
Due to the Covid pandemic Mike’s services will be scheduled for spring/summer of next year.
When you have a passion in life hold onto it and thrive; make the most of what you love, just as Mike did. He will be greatly missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Toynton Funeral Home is assisting the family.
