Michael David Kelch was born on October 23, 1965, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was born prematurely and fought to live. Michael had cerebral palsy and he struggled with his health from birth.
Michael finished high school, went on to college and became a behavioral psychologist. He worked with troubled youth in Baltimore until he was totally wheelchair-bound and had to step down.
During college, Michael became friends with Howard Perry. One day, Mike fell and Howard picked him up and they have been like brothers from that moment. Howard has been a big part of Mike’s life.
Mike met Tina online through LDS singles. Michael was already meeting with missionaries to be baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tina flew in for his baptism and Mike flew to Utah to visit Tina. Two weeks later, they were married in Moab on March 9, 2013. They were then sealed in the Monticello Utah Temple on March 7, 2014.
Mike held many callings in the Church over the last 10 years. Mike was very faithful and loved the Lord with all his heart. He loved Moab and loved Tina. One of Michael’s ultimate goals was to get a bike. He loved riding his bike, it gave him freedom. He was a published author, publishing two books while living in Moab.
Michael has several hobbies including painting, reading, writing and riding his bike. Michael loved his three dogs and they were very loyal to him. Mike loved his wife, Tina, with all his heart and he loved his family.
Michael passed away on June 17, 2023, in Provo, Utah, at Utah Valley Hospital.
Michael is survived by his wife, Tina Nyland Kelch; two stepsons, Colby and Morgan Burgess; his mother, Judy Kelch; sister, Dawn (Randy) Shiflett; brother, Duane Kelch; nephew, Dustin Shiflett; niece, Cheyenne Shiflett; his father and mother-in-law, James D. Nyland, Sr. and Cheryl Nyland; two brothers-in-law, James D. Jr (Kathy) Nyland and Jared Troy (Leslie) Nyland; many nieces and nephews including four great-nieces and one great-nephew.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Kelch; great-niece, Mackenzie Shiflett; his grandparents and many uncles, aunts and cousins.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 26 at 11 a.m. at the Moab LDS 400 North Chapel. A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Spanish Valley Mortuary and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
You may send condolences to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
