Michael Kiley

Michael Kiley lived what should only be called a fulfilling life, though if you did not ask him you might not know it. Never to gush about his accomplishments, if you ever engaged in conversation with Michael you might remember that the entire exchange was mostly about you. Not that you necessarily live an exceptionally fascinating life, but Michael would make you feel that way. And the oddest and most marvelous thing about it was that he was genuinely interested. He wanted to know more about you, and made it feel like what you were doing with your life was special, no matter what. With that said, it’s time to talk about Michael’s life, so we can see how truly special he really was, and maybe learn something from him to carry forward. Michael was a true artist. Born in Grand Forks, North Dakota on May 27, 1955, Michael studied in the College of Fine Arts at Florida State University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts from the University of North Dakota. After graduation, he went on to establish himself as one of the greatest jazz/blues drummers in the area. Michael perfected his music abilities and played professionally with famous 1950’s artists such as The Drifters, The Platters, The Coasters, The Shirelles, and Chuck Berry, as well as local bands such as Lamont Cranston in Minneapolis and 3 of Cups in Two Harbors, MN. But not only could he play music, Michael also acted for local Minneapolis legend and comedian Dudley Riggs, and his photography was nothing less than exquisite (at least the keepers). Michael was a giver. He provided laughs not only with his own sense of humor, but also brought comedians together at The Ha Ha Club in Minneapolis, a club he once owned. A natural teacher, Michael was a visiting scholar at Augsburg College and taught drum lessons at Ellis Drums and Modern Day Music. Perhaps his most impressive accomplishments came as a sponsor and active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, helping those who had once fallen rise again. At home, his skills as a dishwasher, hamburger browner, and vegetable and fruit cutter never went unrecognized. Aside from his art, some other things Michael loved to do include: reading – he was a news junky; golfing – not just the “putt putt” kind; travel – Ireland and New York City were two of his favorite locations; Monopoly – he was quite the capitalist when playing the board game; and writing poetry – I bet you could have guessed this given the paragraph about his artistic talents. Later in life, he worked at Bradshaw Funeral Home and Sandberg Mortuary, continued teaching drums to those willing to learn, and spent the remaining time he had with his beloved wife Mary. This is a life worth celebrating. His passing is sad, undoubtedly so, but he still has so much to teach us. If you did not know some of these things about Michael, the next time you are in conversation make sure to really listen to the person you are talking with. Ask them a question about their life and pay attention to the answer. We all have something to offer: this is the lesson that Michael will continue to impart on us as we journey forward. Obituary as published in the Pioneer Press Kiley Michael Stix Professional Drummer Age 63 of Woodbury Passed away on September 26, 2018. Survived by his wife Mary and a great circle of family & friends. Service Friday, October 5th at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 835 Johnson Parkway. Interment St. Mary’s cemetery, North St. Paul. Memorials preferred. AND THE BEAT GOES ON