Michael J. Kelly, 75, of Evanston, Illinois, passed away on April 27, 2025, at Evanston Hospital surrounded by his family after succumbing to Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Mike was born in St. Joseph, Missouri, before his family relocated to Chicago during his childhood. While living in the Edgebrook neighborhood, he graduated from St. Mary of the Woods School ('64) and then Loyola Academy ('68). He attended the University of Notre Dame ('73) obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. At Notre Dame, he spent a formative year in Rome studying architecture, exploring Europe and building lifelong friendships. Upon graduation, Mike moved back to Chicago and began his architectural career at Perkins & Will. He followed that with positions at Medical Architectonics, John Anderson, and Tilton + Lewis, before becoming principal at Tilton, Kelly + Bell in 2000.

In 1978, Mike and Lou Anne (nee Bedessem) married and settled in Evanston where they raised their family. He was an active member and parent in St. Nicholas Parish and Pope John XXIII School in Evanston, with roles including Building Committee chair, School Board president, co-chair of Parish Capital Campaign and basketball coach, among others. He cherished spending time with his family and working on projects around their cottage on Silver Lake in Wautoma, Wisconsin. Mike was an avid reader and always had a book recommendation. He was a loyal dog lover (and walker) to Tess, Bailey and Hilda. Mike also enjoyed traveling, golfing, kayaking and cheering on the Fighting Irish.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Lou Anne; four children, Meghan (Patrick Manning), Aileen (Phil de los Reyes), Tim, and Sean; and three grandchildren, Jack, Colin, and Alice Manning. In addition, Mike leaves behind many loved family members including brothers- and sisters-in-law, nephews and their families and cousins as well as many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents William H. and Edna Mae and brother William E. and sister-in-law Sarah A.

Visitation will be held Sunday May 4, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, Il 60077.

Michael's Funeral Mass will be celebrated May 5, 2025 at 10:00 am, with visitation prior starting at 9:00 am, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 806 Ridge Ave, Evanston. 

The Funeral Mass will be live streamed, please scroll down to Webcast and click Watch Now. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network or Chicago Canine Rescue