Madison Area USBC Hall of Famer Michael J. “Mike” Kelly passed away on July 6, 2020.
Kelly was born October 9, 1947 and inducted into the Madison Area USBC Hall of Fame on August 13, 2015.
Obituary: Baraboo News Republic
MERRIMAC—Michael J. Kelly, Sr., age 72, of Merrimac, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 6, 2020 at his residence.
Michael was born on Oct. 9, 1947 in Baraboo, the son of Virgil and Daisy Joan Kelly. He was a 1965 graduate of La Follette High School and attended Madison Area Technical College receiving a degree in Automobile Mechanics. On Dec. 15, 1967, he was united in marriage to Linda Wagner at Lake Edge United Church of Christ in Madison.
Michael worked with his father, Virgil at the family owned Sinclair Gas Station in Madison and later, became a Brunswick bowling machine mechanic. He was an avid bowler, starting in high school and continued to bowl throughout his adult life in Madison and Baraboo. He achieved multiple 300 games and was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame in 2015. Some of his hobbies included restoring vintage corvette automobiles, flying his radio controlled air planes and spending time outdoors with his dogs.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; three children, Michael (Angela) Kelly, Jr., Connie Lynn Kelly, Jeremy Kelly; three wonderful grandchildren, John, Casey and Gage. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
A celebration of Michael’s life will take place at a later date. Baldwin Funeral Services is assisting the family.
Hall of Fame Plaque Inscription
Mike Kelly’s prowess on the lanes was evident early on. He was a 1964 graduate of the junior bowling program, winning a special junior bowling TV tournament at Hillside Lanes that same year. Three years later, Kelly became the youngest bowler in the MBA to roll a 300 game on March 1, 1967 at the age of 19. Kelly’s junior traveling league team won multiple championships.
Success on the lanes continued collegiately as a member of the Madison Vocational Technical school team. Kelly led his school to first place in the conference, and to a conference tournament win. Kelly returned to school in the 1980’s, bowling for Madison Area Technical College where he posted the high conference average (215), earned All-State honors, All-Academic team honors, and qualified for Team America tryouts.
Kelly rolled three more perfect games in MBA competition, including the first ever at Dream Lanes. His high single season average was 218 in 1995-96. He took home one City Tournament Title in 1988 in the team event for Home Savings & Loan, and earned a 1980 state doubles championship with a 765.