Kelley (Burg) Mikesh

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 3:49 pm

Kelley Kathleen (Burg) Mikesh, age 47, formerly of Northeast Iowa, passed away peacefully at Cherry Meadows Hospice in Appleton, Wis., on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024.

Kelley Kathleen Burg, age 47, was born to Barbara and Philip Burg on Feb. 22, 1976 in Waukon, Iowa. Kelley was baptized at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Waukon. Kelley attended St. Benedict Catholic School in Decorah, through 8th grade, completed secondary school within the Decorah Community School District, graduating in 1994. During high school, Kelley was involved in a variety of activities including track, cheerleading and band. Kelley was selected as the homecoming queen for her graduating class. Following high school, Kelley graduated from Wartburg College in 1998, earning a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. During her time at Wartburg, Kelley won the Nobility Award for making meaningful and significant contributions to the college community. Kelley was also inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society which highlighted pre-service educators demonstrating the propensity to foster excellence in education. In addition, Kelley was a member of both the football and wrestling cheerleading teams. Kelley was united in marriage on June 26, 1999 to Scott Mikesh of Calmar. To this union, Josie Noelle was born on Feb. 25, 2005.

Kelley was an elementary education teacher. Kelley taught at St. Benedict Catholic School in Decorah, St. Michael Catholic School in Worthington, Ohio and St. James Catholic School in Madison, Wis. Sadly, Kelley was diagnosed with MS in her early 20s which contributed to a need to end the profession that she loved.

Over the years as a mother and teacher, Kelley was meticulous in her desire and belief for creating environments that were safe, happy and equitable for those around her. Kelley’s spirit and enthusiasm were contagious and she was naturally able to have an impact on everyone that she interacted with. Among many things, Kelley loved to read, learn and spend time with family and friends. Above all, Kelley had a love for family and took pride in attending activities and watching her daughter, Josie, grow towards adulthood culminating in her recent acceptance as a freshman at Indiana University.

During her later years, Kelley required around the clock accommodations due to MS. Numerous dedicated and selfless relatives, friends and health care professionals provided ongoing support. In addition to her immediate family members, Kelley was enormously grateful for the care provided by Scott, Theresa Trevor, Charlie Kay, Angie Morey, Alyson Johnson and a litany of caregivers from Whispering Pines and Cherry Meadows, with many becoming close friends.

Kelley will be remembered as a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt and cousin. Kelley showed an acute ability to be unwaveringly kind and sympathetic towards those who were less fortunate or experienced undeserved challenges. Kelley touched many hearts with her kindness, care, wit and humor. While a bit “sassy” at times, Kelley’s heart was pure and full of love for those close to her.

Kelley is survived by her daughter: Josie Mikesh of De Pere, Wisconsin; former spouse; Scott Mikesh of De Pere, Wisconsin; parents Barbara and Phil of Decorah, IA; sister Kimberly (Burg) Johnson-Smith and her children: Noah and Finley of Delaware, Ohio; brother Eric (Amy) Burg of Decorah, IA and children Josh, Davon and Seth Thompson; brother Andrew (Josie) Burg of Ankeny, IA and their son: Brody; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Kelley was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents; Sam and Marlene Jahn, maternal Aunt and Uncle; and Dave Burg, paternal Uncle.

A celebration of life will be held for Kelley with family and friends at a future date.