Beloved husband for 56 years of Elizabeth “Betty” A. Kilian (nee DeMay). Dear father of Sean (Elizabeth “Liz”) and Matthew (Shawna) Kilian. Dear grandfather of Patrick (Megan) Kilian, Abigail Kilian, Addison Key, Aryana Kilian and Beckham Kilian. Dear brother of Janine (Jeff) Forrest, Paul (Marsha) Kilian, Alan (Kris) Kilian and the late Mark (Mary) Kilian. Our dear uncle, great uncle, cousin and friend.
Mike was born and raised in St. Louis, graduated from McBride High School then St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, KS before marrying Betty on November 28th, 1969. Mike was so proud of his sons, Sean and Matt, and spent many years traveling to soccer tournaments to watch them play. Some of Mike’s most cherished memories included his close knit group of college friends. He and Betty, along with the group, loved cruising the world.
After Mike’s retirement from Unigroup, he volunteered walking dogs at Stray Rescue, spent mornings painting landscapes in parks around the city, and enjoyed his Fridays visiting brew pubs with Betty. Some of his favorite days were those spent with his grandchildren. He loved visiting them at college, seeing the newest animated movie, catching up over a chocolate malt at Crown Candy, or just sitting with them and talking about their days. Mike loved big, was loved big right back, and will be missed dearly.
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Road Affton, Missouri 63123) Thursday, October 1, 9:30 a.m. to St. Paul Catholic Church (Fenton, Missouri) for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Stray Rescue or Care STL appreciated. Visitation Wednesday 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Wow I was shocked when I heard this. Condolences to Betty and his sons. May he find eternal rest in God’s loving arms!
Betty, Sean and Matt,
I worked with Mike for many years at UniGroup. We worked on training modules for packers and movers and moving van drivers. I was saddened to hear the news he passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Paula Keeling
Here is a toast 🍺 to Mike and a life well lived.
To a man who loved life, friends and most of all his family.
I can’t say enough good things about him.
He touched many people’s lives and for the better.
We are blessed that Mike was in our lives.
He was a shining light in this dark and ugly world.
I’am proud to say I knew him. He set the example for how we all should treat others, which is with understanding, respect and love.
If there is a pub crawl in the after life Mike is leading the way.
I will be having a cold 🍺 today in his honor. God bless Betty, the boys and other family members.
Our Condolences to the Kilian Family!
Our Prayers are with the family at this time.
MIKE is walking with Jesus.
God bless the whole Kilian at this time of need.
Jan & John Mantia
(Liz ‘s co worker)
🙏💐
Well said.
I got lucky, working alongside Mike training agents at United and later had the blessing of becoming family by marrying his younger brother, Paul. I say that the family produces great men! Mike could disarm a van operator with his wit and calm demeanor. He was good at what he did, always looking for an angle to create fun out of it. Mike was a talented artist, a good listener and a peacemaker. Paul and I will forever miss him.
May he rest in peace.
Mike was a friend and beer tasting buddy. He was a friend who never seemed to get upset too often. Everyone enjoyed his company at the Unigroup retiree breakfast and he was very witty and smart. I’m just bummed like others are about his passing. God bless you Mike and I know there’s a spot for you in heaven and I hope to see you again someday.
Prayers for all the Kilian family members. Mike will be missed so much but he’ll be waiting for all of you to come home- with his smile and and a heavenly brew🙏🙏
Mike could always make me laugh. When we were in Safety, we worked hard & had fun. I’m not able to make the services, but I will be with you in spirit. God bless the Kilian Family. Peggy Allen
I worked with Mike at Unigroup for many years. We started there when it was United Van Lines. Great memories. Mike was great to work with and had a way of making the job fun. He was a great guy, good coworker and friend. The angels better get ready, heaven is going to be more fun, Mike’s on the way.
Betty and Family:
We understand well the sorrow and sense of loss you have right now. Please, though, remember and cherish the good times you had and hold them close to your hearts. Know that you are not alone now and that Mike will always be with you.
Pat and Mike Marx
I will certainly cherish my memories and friendship with MIke. We had many fun times at United. I’m so glad we were able to reconnect at our monthly lunch group sharing memories and building new ones. You will be in hearts.
I first met Mike as a Teacher at Sacred Heart in Valley Park he taught one of my daughters. Then we crossed paths at Unigroup
We worked together on several projects. We both enjoyed our beers together at several get togethers. Knowing Mike over the years was a huge plus for me I always felt his respect for others. My deepest condolences to his wife and family.
Blessings,
Elmer & Donna Davidter
Michael was my first born cousin, his family growing up in South St. Louis in the then Polish community. His family and my family had many gatherings together and was a great part of my childhood into our adult years. I will always cherish those memories. As it happened, I never lived in St. Louis since college so there were not many times we met again but the memories are still important.
My wife Beata and I send our condolences to Betty, Sean and Mathew and their families for your loss, as well as to Janine, Alan, and Paul and their families. It is so painful. Life is both long and too short. May he rest in peace.