Michael C. “Mike” Kelly, 72, of Effingham, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.
He was born on January 25, 1954, in Topeka, the son of Paul and Mildred (Haverkamp) Kelly. He graduated from Atchison County Community High School in 1972 and later from North Central Kansas Area Vocational-Technical School. He received the FFA Degree of American Farmer in 1975.
Mike was a farmer and happiest when he was working cattle or in his tractor. He was a dedicated steward of the land and was active with the Water Conservation District.
He was very involved in the Effingham community, with participation in many groups and organizations throughout his life, most recently the Effingham Lions Club. He was active in 4-H and was the pig superintendent at the Atchison County Fair for many years. He was an avid K-State football fan, attending every home game, rain or snow, with his family. At least once a year, he and his wife traveled out of state for a K-State away game.
Mike married the love of his life, Denise Morgan, on August 5, 1994, in Emporia. His greatest joy was his family and being the father of two daughters, Bridgett Kelly, Dallas, TX, and Amber Kelly, Holton.
Mike is survived by his wife and daughters. Other survivors include a brother, James P. Kelly (Diane), Overland Park; two sisters, Janet Sandridge, Alvin, TX, and Colleen Mantey (Gary), Mission Viejo, CA; and nieces and nephews, Gavin Mantey (LeeAnn) and Derek Mantey, and Chelsea, Nicholas, and Katelyn Sandridge.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant brothers, Edward and Timothy Kelly.
Mike was proud to be the recipient of the first successful double blood transfusion for Rh incompatibility in Kansas. He never let a bumpy start to life affect the joy and optimism he carried. He battled ocular melanoma for many years, about which little is known, and much research is still needed to develop successful treatments.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, located at 524 Pennsylvania Ave, Holton, KS 66436. Burial will occur at a later date. The family asks that memorial gifts be directed to the Jerry A. Shields MD Eye Cancer Fund or the Atchison County Fair Board and may be sent in care of the funeral home. On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
