Michael Dennis Kelley

Michael Dennis Kelley was born May 13, 1940, in Pamona, Calif., to Hal and Lillian Kelley. 

He was raised in Riverside, Calif., and graduated Poly High School in 1958, while working at his family's company, Hal Kelley Grain and Mill. He attended college for agricultural business and enlisted in the Army in 1963-1965. He met Janelise Faro and they married in 1966. He remained in the Army Reserve until 1969. They had two children, Kimberly and Hal Kelley. 

They moved to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, in 1971 to open Kootenai Grain and Feed. He sold the business in 1973 and purchased two tractor-trailers to haul grain and haul logs. After a few years, he went to work for Anheuser-Busch, where he worked until he retired in 2006. 

In his spare time, Mike served as an instructor for the Kootenai Valley Rifle & Pistol Club for many years. He went to Sater’s Auction every Thursday, and loved to hunt, fish and spend time with his grandchildren, until his stroke in 2008. 

He remained home with his wife for the remainder of his life, where he was loved and cherished by his family and caregivers. He told jokes nearly every day and the laughter he encouraged will remain and be remembered with fondness and love. He had a fun spirit that kept everyone on their toes. He was protective of those he loved and never allowed a person to speak ill of anyone else. He contracted COVID-19 in September and it turned to pneumonia and he passed away Sept. 16, 2021. He will be forever missed. 

He is survived by his wife, Jane Kelley; brother David Kelley; daughter Kim Brake; son-in-law Roger Brake; grandchildren Ehlana, Hannah, Abby, Harley and Adrian Brake; son Hal Kelley; daughter-in-law Leana Kelley and granddaughter Lilly Kelley. 

No services are scheduled.