Richard Kieliszewski

Richard J. Kieliszewski passed away on May 14, 2025, at home at the age of 91 surrounded by his family.

He was born in Rogers City on August 22, 1933, to Stanley and Frances (Romel) Kelley. Richard was the youngest of seven siblings. For reasons unknown, his mother changed his last name to Kieliszewski while the other siblings remained Kelley. 

On July 3, 1954, he married Angeline Kapala at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. In his youth he worked many jobs.  He was a gas pump jockey for Ken Vogelheim Chevrolet sales, a grocery delivery boy for Rygwelski’s IGA and a bowling pin setter at what is now known as Nautical Lanes. His job pumping gas sparked his love of cars.  He landed a job at Calcite, where he eventually worked as an electrician. During those years, he and Angie built three houses all while raising their children. He retired after 35 years with Calcite. He served on the financial board at Calcite Credit Union for 54 years. He was a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Richard also loved bar league slow pitch softball, which he started playing at age 35. You could find him on the pitcher’s mound and that’s where he earned his nickname “Catfish.”  He played for many local bars, even being asked to pitch in tournaments up until age 65. He and Angie enjoyed attending many Polka festivals and dances with friends. He also loved to golf. In his retirement, he enjoyed time with his wife and family and mowing grass as a side job.  

He is survived by his wife Angeline of 71 years, and six children, Monica (David) Zolnierek of Presque Isle, Mike (Maria) Kieliszewski of Rockford, Mark Kieliszewski of Rogers City, Brian (Karen Goddard) Kieliszewski of Rogers City, Richard (Michelle) Kieliszewski of Rogers City and Charles (Vicki) Kieliszewski of Rogers City.  He has four grandchildren, Curtis (Amber) Kieliszewski, Simon (Jessica) Zolnierek, Mickayla Kieliszewski and Sophie Kieliszewski. Great grandchildren are Caroline, Dean, and Leo Kieliszewski, and Hattie Jo Zolnierek. 

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Arthur, Edward, Gerald, Clarence, Amelia Boczek and Blanche Bork. 

Friends may visit at St. Ignatius Catholic Church on Wednesday, May 28th from 10 a.m. through time of his memorial Mass at 11:00 with Fr. Don Geyman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Ignatius Catholic School’s Angel Fund or to Hospice of Michigan in memory of Richard Kieliszewski.

Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org