Maurice Kiley, Jr.

Madison/Maple Bluff -- Maurice William Kiley, Jr., age 99, died in his home at Attic Angel Place, Tuesday morning, March 20, 2018.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, "Lovely Lady", the former Jeanne Lee Devereaux (1925-2011).

Maurice Kiley was born April 17, 1918 in Clintonville, WI. His parents were Maurice W. Kiley (1889-1950), a second generation American and Lenora B. Karczewski (1893-1986), a first generation American. After a boyhood in Green Bay, sneaking under the fence to watch Packer games, he graduated Eau Claire High School in 1938 and was first in his family to attend college.

In January 1942 Maury enlisted in the Navy, becoming a pharmacist mate. After service in Providence and Newport, RI, he began sea duty, preparing for the invasion of Japan aboard the USS Bremerton. Following World II, service took him to ports in China and Korea, then seen by few westerners.

With the GI Bill, he graduated the University of Wisconsin in 1946, a member of Chi Phi Fraternity. Soon after he joined the Madison insurance firm of C.B. Stumpf & Assoc., his only employer, which he eventually owned and sold in 1983.

In 1953 Maury and Jeanne Lee married, began a family and soon moved to Maple Bluff. They were avid golfers and developed a wonderful circle of lifelong neighborhood friends.

As an insurance agent, Maury travelled the western part of the state, from Monroe to Superior; he knew any roadway by number or letter, reliably arriving in the predicted time. Always active in his industry, he earned a CLU designation and rose to become national President of the International Association of Health Underwriters and the National Association of Life Underwriters. A long-time member of the Wisconsin Insurance Agents Advisory Board, he served seven state Insurance Commissioners and was Board Chair.

Maury devotedly served the Madison community. For nearly ten years he was a Board member and Board Chair of Madison General Hospital (later Meriter); also serving as Board Chair of Meriter Retirement Services (now Capitol Lakes), and Board Chair of Middleton Glen. He was elected a Trustee of the Village of Maple Bluff and was active in community service organizations including the United Givers Fund (now United Way) and the Rotary Club of Madison. He is a member and served on the session of Christ Presbyterian Church.

Maury's family always recalls his absolute devotion to them. He was an incessant promoter of family members' lifelong learning, encouraging children and grandchildren to pursue degrees beyond college. He patiently attended endless swim meets, drove to out of town hockey matches and escaped the office for workday morning baseball games; he helped manage scout Troop 5, Madison Lakers hockey and organized father-child canoe trips on the Wisconsin River. As his grandchildren came of age, he was always the oldest guy watching performances and competitions; he insisted on buying grandchildren's computers and bicycles. He only passed on a restaurant check if it was his birthday.

In the early 1950s Jeanne Lee discovered skiing in Aspen and encouraged Maury to take it up. His all-in commitment led to quitting a 25-year smoking habit, losing 40 pounds and shaking the house every morning before work with calisthenics. If there wasn't a swim meet or hockey game, the family packed the car and cooler on winter weekends to drive north for skiing. Later winter vacations were in Colorado or Utah, always driving, only Maury behind the wheel. "Lovely Lady, we're in the mountains!" He skied until his mid-80s.

As skiing wound down, Maury and Jeanne Lee took their children and grandchildren to Europe. In the early days of the Internet, the he fearlessly rented houses online for the family in Tuscany, the Algarve and Languedoc; somehow it always worked.

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of Maury and Jeanne Lee is the family 3-hour dinner. We consistently find a way to talk away the hours at the dining table, interrupted by gales of laughter, and helped along by the Chief's favorites: dry sherry, vintage port, Burgundy.

Maurice Kiley is survived by his two children and their families, to whom he is "Chief": Richard D. Kiley of Madison, and Rick's wife, Victoria E. King, and daughter, Kristin B. Kiley; and Susan K. Bush of Madison, husband Thomas M. Bush, and their four children, Christopher K. Bush, Denver, CO, Brian D. Bush and his wife Melissa Milich, New York City, Michael T. Bush, Chicago, Katherine J. Bush, Chicago.

He is also survived by his only sibling, Wesley J. Kiley of Land O'Lakes, WI and one niece, Maureen A. Kiley, Indianapolis.

Among his virtues, Maury always shared gratitude. During his last days, when conversation was difficult, he found strength to say "thank you" to the devoted, skillful caregivers from Attic Angel Place, Agrace Hospice, and Meriter Hospital to whom his family offers deep gratitude.

A CELEBRATION OF MAURY'S LIFE WILL BE AT ATTIC ANGEL PLACE, 8301 Old Sauk Road, Saturday, April 14, 2018, at 1 p.m. Visitation with family will begin at noon; snacks will be served after the service.

Memorials in his memory may be made to Attic Angel Association, 8301 Old Sauk Road, Middleton, WI 53562.

In late December, after a long, laughter filled family dinner, Maury was transported by ambulance to the only meaningful hospital stay of his life. On the way, the EMT asked "What's your date of birth?", which he stated clearly; without a break, the next question: "What's your secret?". We all want to know, Chief.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434