Rachel Birely

HURLEY, Wis. — Rachel Birely, 96, passed away Nov. 14, 2024, of natural causes. Rachel was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Simon and Mary Keleel. The family moved to Detroit, where she grew up in the shadows of Briggs Stadium. It was in Detroit, while working for Mrs. Wagner’s Pies, that she met and married Charles Birely. They went on to have three children: Karen, Daryl and Jody.

Rachel’s hobbies included bowling and gardening and, in the summer, camping all over the state of Michigan. It was during those camping trips that they fell in love with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They eventually found land and built a house on one of their favorite takes, Lake Gogebic, making it their retirement home.

Once moved to the U.P., Rachel continued bowling and gardening but also became a member of the Lake Gogebic Fireflies, an auxiliary of the Lake Gogebic Fire Department. She really enjoyed the sistership, activities, and the support it provided for the fire department.

Rachel was preceded in death by her mother and father; husband, Charles; sister, Evon (Haddad); and brothers, Keno, Abe and David Keleel.

She is survived by her sister, Rose (John) Keleel; daughters, Karen Birely and Jody Kalis; son, Daryl (Renee) Birely; grandchildren, Holly (Mark) Urbis, Christine and Bruce Kalis; great-grandchildren, Gatlin and Caymin Urbis; sister-in-law, Judy Keleel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Per Rachel’s wishes, she will be cremated and buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery with her husband.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lake Gogebic Fireflies, N. 11027 East Shore Road, Marenisco, MI 49947 or the Ontonagon County Cancer Association.