Michael Van Kley, 75, died peacefully in his home in Reno, Nevada, on October 27, 2018. Michael was born April 6, 1943 to Jane and Edward Van Kley. Throughout his childhood he lived many places but always considered his home to be Colfax, California,along the north fork of the American River. Michael proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1962-1966 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Michael then attended the University of Nevada Reno,where he met dear people who became life-long friends.
Michael’s entrepreneurial spirit was sparked during a trip to Ohio to visit Harry Mylander, a USMC friend. Michael moved to Ohio to partner with Harry in farming and construction. They founded the successful construction company Unilliance Inc.
On January 13, 1973, Michael married Patricia Lueke. They welcomed their daughter Mikaela in 1980. Michael designed and built for his family an exquisite home overlooking a wooded ravine in Fremont, Ohio. While working on various business enterprises, Michael supported Patricia’s work on a doctorate in psychology and for several years prided himself as Mikaela’s stay-at-home dad. Mikaela was Michael’s constant advisor and teacher.
In the last two decades of his life Michael was drawn back to the beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and called Reno home, while maintaining business interests and family connections in Ohio.
Michael is survived by Patricia Van Kley of Perrysburg, Ohio; and daughter Mikaela (Adam) Uhlman and granddaughters Ava and Alice Uhlman of Brecksville, Ohio. His parents and brother Jim Van Kley preceded him in death.
A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday,November 10, 2018, at Hilton Garden Inn, 6165 Levis Commons Boulevard in Perrysburg, Ohio, 43551. Visitation will be one hour prior, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and a lunch will be held after the service.
Michael had a high regard for independent thinking and learning. Memorial donations can be made to Maumee Valley Country Day School, 1715 South Reynolds Road, Toledo, Ohio 43614.

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