Michael Francis Kelly

Michael Francis Kelly

November 29, 1945-January 9, 2025

VIGIL SERVICE: Monday, January 13, 2025, 7:00 PM with VISITATION from 5:00-7:00PM, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 10:30AM, St. Columbkille Catholic Church, 200 E. 6th Street, Papillion, NE.

INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorials are kindly suggested to Creighton Preparatory High School, the Passionist Priests, and St. Columbkille Catholic Church.

To view live broadcasts of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Michael Francis “Mike” Kelly was the youngest of five children born to John and Ruth Kelly and the brother of Margaret “Marge”, John D. “Jack”, Robert “Bob”, and Catherine “Kitty”. He graduated from St. Philip Neri Elementary School in Florence, where he was an altar boy and from Creighton Prep, where he played baseball. After high school, he worked multiple jobs, including at the Union Pacific Railroad, to afford to attend Omaha University, where he graduated with a B.A. in History. Later, he earned a Master of Science in Reading Instruction from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Mike was a teacher for more than 40 years, at Horace Mann Middle School, Bellevue High School, Bellevue West High School, William Jennings Bryan Middle School, and St. Cecilia’s grade school. He taught several subjects, including American government and remedial reading. These two subjects reflected lifelong passions for him: sharing his knowledge about our political system and providing mentorship to students to overcome their challenges. He coached girls basketball and boys soccer at Bellevue West, leading the latter to the state final. Mike was a fierce competitor, but his goal for all his athletes was the same for all his students: to be the best individuals they could be.  

Mike married Dianne Marie Zalewski on June 7, 1969 and they were married for 54 years. They raised three children: Christopher Kelly, Joanna Meysenburg (married to Jason Meysenburg), and Patrick Kelly (married to Jessica Schnieder). He was a proud grandpa to Noah, Samuel, and Benjamin Meysenburg. Mike coached his kids’ soccer and basketball teams, too. Family always came first for Mike and he made lasting memories for his children and grandchildren, whether these were from Summer trips across North America to many days and nights at the family cabin on Lake Waconda. Mike and Dianne also planned wisely and saved so that their children could attend the high schools and colleges of their choice and all three graduated with a Bachelor’s degree or higher, which was a source of tremendous pride. Mike maintained a lifelong interest in politics and in sports; he was a Nebraska Democrat and a devoted fan of his grandsons playing football at Creighton Prep. He also cheered for UNO, Nebraska, Creighton, and Notre Dame athletics; these gave him experience of both triumph and tragedy. Mike also provided his children and grandchildren with lasting examples in his commitment to his family and his faith, his feisty competitiveness, his refusal to give up or give in when facing difficult challenges. And he was a lifetime partner and best friend for Dianne. They shared many interests in the arts and history and created lasting memories together including a very special anniversary trip to the United Kingdom. We will always feel his presence, whether he was known to us as Grandpa, or as Dad, or simply as Mike.