Michael T. Kelley | June 11, 1948 - January 21, 2021
Obituaries-Pierre / Posted Jan 25, 2021 | 6:58 AM / 979 views
Michael T. Kelley, 72, of Pierre, passed away on January 21, 2021.
Mike was born in Pierre to James Kenneth and Jeanne (Linn) Kelley on June 11, 1948. He grew up in Pierre and graduated from T.F. Riggs High School in 1966. Following high school he attended Northern State College before returning home and working for his dad at Kelley Construction. Warmer weather was calling and Mike moved to Texas and went to work for Howard Hughes’ Hughes Tool Company. He later returned to Pierre to work with his dad in the family business, eventually owning Kelley construction with his brother Joe upon his dad’s retirement. Mike sold the business and retired in 2013. He married Laurie Flaagan on November 27, 1976. To this union was born three sons: Ryan, Jeremy and Matt.
While his family and business were his priority, Mike found time to be very active in his community. He was active in the Jaycees, a Cub Scouts leader, a flag football coach and was instrumental in the Fishing Has No Boundaries development. He served on the boards of American Legion Baseball, Boys and Girls Club, and Countryside Hospice. He served as President of the Pierre Chamber of Commerce, the Association of General Contractors, and served as chairman of the Planning Commission. Mike was proud to have volunteered with the Pierre Fire Department for 16 years and to have served as Captain of Engine 1. He was honored to be the Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, be awarded the Vernon Award from PEDCO and be named Hometown Hero by Modern Woodmen of America.
Grateful for having shared in his life are his wife Laurie, sons Ryan (Melanie), Jeremy (Kelly), Matt (Amber), Dustin Bonnett, Tyler Bonnett, daughter Cher (Bob) Guptill, eight grandchildren Bobby, Mikey, Macyn, Brody, Louis, Jessi, Kennede (Reed), and Jonathan, great grandson Jackson, siblings Joe Kelley, Dave (Penny) Kelley, Diann Smith along with a host of extended family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bob and Danny, and granddaughter Maisy.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.
