Michael Kellogg

1955 - 2020

Kellogg, Michael E.

CROSS PLAINS – Michael Edwin Kellogg passed away Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, Wis. Mike was born May 20, 1955, in New Orleans, La., to Richard and Jacquelin (Nelson) Kellogg.

Prior to elementary school, the Kellogg family of seven lived in student housing in Manhattan, N.Y., while Mike's father attended Columbia University. During this time, Mike was hospitalized for several weeks, yet discharged early due to a measles outbreak. His father comforted him during the daily visits, calling him Brave Mike.

The family returned to Louisiana, living in Lafayette for many years, then settled in Fayetteville, Ark., where Mike attended high school and college, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in radio, television, and film from the University of Arkansas. The surrounding landscape and terrain of the Ozarks made for memorable recreational outings; he loved rappelling, spelunking, and sailing.

Mike's college summers first brought him to Wisconsin, where he worked near Mauston at the Woodside dude ranch, caring for the property and horses, and leading guests on trail rides.

On June 12, 1993, Mike married Mary Newton in Madison, Wis. Their marriage of 27 years included being best friends.

Professionally, Mike worked as a photojournalist in local television news, first in La Crosse, Wis., then for 30 years in Madison at WKOW, until his retirement in 2014. In his work, he covered the spectrum of daily news events. Assignments also took him to Somalia, Nicaragua, and Guatemala to cover Wisconsin-based humanitarian missions, and on a mid-air refueling operation with the Wisconsin Air National Guard in its support of the United States' effort to protect the besieged Kosovo region. Mike especially enjoyed working with the newer staff, teaching lighting techniques and getting to know them.

Mike was a skilled woodworker, building furniture and his bass guitars. He also enjoyed being an uncle; the tranquility of the outdoors; playing guitar with the band; planning vacation itineraries; staying at historic inns and B & Bs; exploring any museum; foreign and independent films; family genealogy research; photo restoration; and learning through reading about many subjects.

Mike's presence exuded warmth, prompting engaging conversation. He often shared fond stories about his family's early life in Louisiana, including station wagon vacations, camping, Scouts, Mardi Gras parades, hurricanes, crayfish boils, oysters, creole, gumbo, and pralines.

Mike exhibited bravery again, while facing the uncertainty and progression of his recent illness. Yet, great joy was reliably realized as travel continued with Mary, events were attended, the band kept practicing, and kindness from many committed caregivers, friends, and acquaintances was ever present. Mike's vote in November's election was also counted.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Jackie; uncles, Clyde and Forest; aunts, Phyllis and Lolita; and beloved brother, Douglas.

Mike is survived by his wife, Mary; sister-in-law Tina Ellor (Joe Cordovano) of Pennsylvania; brothers, Thomas Kellogg of Texas and Clyde (Jean) Kellogg of Virginia; a sister, Linn (Gary) Tomlinson of Oklahoma; aunts, Judith Nelson of Louisiana and Caroyl (Ronald) Zulli of Mississippi; nieces and nephews; and in-laws, Roger and Agnes Newton of Cottage Grove, Wis.

Mike was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Cross Plains, where a private funeral service is planned.

Memorial donations may be considered for Northwest Dane Senior Services Day Center, Cross Plains, Wis.; Alzheimer's & Dementia Alliance of Madison; and/or UW-Madison Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Cross Plains

Funeral & Cremation Care

2421 Church St.

(608) 798-3141