Thomas Edward Kealy

Thomas Edward Kealy, age 95, of River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the River Falls area hospital on December 16, 2025.

Tom was born on December 2, 1930, in River Falls, Wisconsin, to Edward and Margaret (Stapleton) Kealy. He attended River Falls High School after which he enlisted into the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954. Upon discharge he continued his education at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where he earned a degree in elementary education.

Tom devoted his life to education, serving as a teacher for 39 years in the St. Paul Public Schools. He was blessed and grateful to be a teacher. He truly enjoyed the people with whom he taught, and the decades of kids whose lives he impacted. He was an extremely hardworking, intelligent, and inquisitive man who loved learning and sharing knowledge with others. His dedication to his students and his craft left a lasting impact on generations.

Tom married the love of his life, Colleen Therese Ryan, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hudson, Wisconsin. Together they shared a life rooted in faith, commitment, and service to others. Together, they raised three sons; Kevin, Patrick, and Michael. They were extremely dedicated and loving parents.

Outside of teaching, Tom was rarely idle. He loved working with his hands and had a particular fondness for buying, refinishing, and restoring furniture, which he often sold to members of the community or shared to help others. He was also known affectionately as a collector of many things. To him, all of these things represented living pieces of history. He loved to tell their stories.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Colleen; their infant son, Michael Thomas Kealy; his parents, Edward and Margaret Kealy; his in-laws, John and Katherine Ryan; siblings: Dorothy (Marshal) Van Meter, Margaret (Walter) Huppert, Kathrine (Joe) Gavin, James Kealy, Patrica (Bill) Deiss; and his sisters-in-law, Kathleen (Joe) Larsen, Patricia (Jim) Foy, Joan (George) Richie, Shirley (Frank) Huser; and brother-in-law, Edward Foster.

He is survived by his children, Kevin Kealy, Patrick (Laura) Kealy, and Michael Kealy; and his adored grandchildren, Henry Seiser, Madison Kealy, Mike Kealy, Morgan Kealy, Cleo Kealy, Fischer Kealy, Ryan Kealy, Parker Kealy, and Forest Kealy. Tom is also survived by his sister-in-law, Dewey Foster. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 211 E. Division Street, River Falls, Wisconsin 54022. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until the time of Mass. Military honors will be presented by Fletcher-Pechacek American Legion Post #121. Memorials are appreciated to the discretion of the family.

Tom will be remembered for his sharp mind, tireless work ethic, love of teaching, and generous spirit. He will most be remembered for his quick wit, keen memory of people and places, and the countless stories of them. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy of love, kindness, and faith will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.