Michael Lawrence Kelleher

MICHAEL LAWRENCE KELLEHER

Age 77, of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away after a short illness on Thursday Sept 28.

He wasn’t a celebrity or known to the greater world. He was however, very famous to his large close and extended family and a legion of friends. He was born Dec19, 1945 in Chicago, the second of eventually 8 siblings, and was big from the beginning, at 9+lbs. He started his education at St. Leos Catholic school in Highland and went on to St. Thomas Academy. After high school and a year at college, he had various jobs and finally found his calling as a bartender at Diamond Jim’s Supper Club in Mendota. He made many friends there and when it closed after 20+ years, he moved to the Dubliner on University in St. Paul. He was there over 30 years, again making a host of friends, from co-workers to customers.

He was big in other ways too.  A big person in stature and big in all the qualities that make people special. He was a great big brother, who loved his family above all else and would do anything for them. He moved into our Grandparents house and while working nights, took care of Grandma who was bedridden for years. When she passed he took care of Grandpa till he also passed.

His generosity was big. He was always ready to help out family or friends, if they needed just a ride, a helping hand or even a loan. When he retired, his hobby was shopping at Thrift stores, garage sales, and other shops looking for things that a family member or friend might enjoy and loved gifting them.

His friendships were big. He had a long history with many high school friends and with his phenomenal memory, could recall every escapade or high-jinks over the years with them.  Co-workers became more than work mates too.  He made new friends of neighbors, store clerks, salespeople and his buddies at McDonalds where he loved to go every morning to see them and enjoy their company..

He was a Big fan of Elvis and Kenny Rodgers. At family gatherings he would join with cousins to do an impromptu songfest featuring the favorite tunes of these singers. It was often a big highlight of the party.

He is preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Thomas J. and Emma Kelleher, Joseph and Mary Corcoran: his parents, Thomas E. and Mary Kelleher,  brother Kevin and his nephew Michael Reich. He is survived by siblings, Mary Carol ( Ron Smith), Candace ( James Liddy), Thomas J. ( Laura), Kerry ( Ron Martin), Katherine Reich and Sheila ( Randy Spruel). Also by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Michael we will miss your laughter, your BIG presence and your unending love for all. 

“HUBBA HUBBA, The Cruiser, the Big Kahuna, the Great One has left the building” 

Mass of Christian Burial Monday October 16th 10:30 Am at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, St. Paul.  Visitation one hour prior to the Mass.

On Wednesday, Oct 18 starting at 4PM, will be a special celebration of Michaels' life at the Dubliner Pub on University and Vandalia in St. Paul. EVERYONE Welcome!

Michael requested that instead of flowers, donations be made to your favorite charity in his name.

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