R. "Mike" Michael Kelly

Preceded in death by parents Bob & Rita Kelly, twin brother Richard Patrick Kelly who passed shortly after birth, sister-in-law Valerie Kelly, father-in-law Ray Schuetz, brother-in-law Tony Schuetz. 

Mike was born in Fremont, NE. He attended St. Patrick’s School until graduation. He attended Wayne State, and Midland College with a business degree. He met Monica at Albertson’s Grocery. They were married 3 years later in 1988! They lived in midtown Omaha for many years. Mike worked at Spirit World Deli. He then found work at a sign company until retirement. 

He spent most of his retired life visiting ponds and “dropping a line.” 

Mike had one passion – “Go Fish” after his sister-in-law passed from cervical cancer and he wanted to honor her life and memory. He met a lady that worked for CHI Breast Cancer Rehab, and she loved to fly fish. They started Cast to Recovery for breast cancer survivors. Every year they took women to St. Benedict Center in Schuyler NE and taught them how to fly fish to help with rehab! These women came from all over the United States to participate in Cast to Recovery for breast cancer survivors. They started their stories of life with cancer. 

Each year he looked forward to meeting a new group of women and helping them with their journey. Mike also volunteered with youth. 

Mike worked with Nebraska Game and Parks to teach school students how to fish. Many of them had never been fishing before. He saw 100s of students every day. It tickled him when a student caught a fish for the 1^st time! 

Mike and Monica spent all vacations with family and friends in Wyoming. They were some of the best memories that Mike and Monica had. 

Mike fought a courageous battle with lung cancer. Now every day is a fishing day.        

Funeral mass to be held Monday June 17th (6-17-24) at St. Robert Bellarmine Church (11802 Pacific St) Mass 10:30 AM. Celebration of Life after mass. In lieu of flowers memorials to Cast to Recovery (mail to 12809 West Dodge Road Omaha, NE 68154 or https://give.CHIhealth.com/omf).