Kelli Koltyn 1953 - 2026

Kelli Koltyn Obituary

Kelli Koltyn, age 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday August 15th 2026.

Kelli was born on June 21st 1953 in Racine,WI and graduated from Case High School. She attended college in Nebraska on an athletic scholarship. Kelli obtained a Master's Degree from Texas Woman's University and a Ph. D. From the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She was a college professor having taught Kinesiology at Texas Woman's University, University of Florida, and the University of Wisconsin- Madison.

Kelli enjoyed riding the back roads of Wisconsin in her M6 or motorcycle. She had a deep appreciation for nature and the environment. She participated in the annual Midwest Crane Count for 15 years. She especially enjoyed walking the paths of the UW-Madison Arboretum and Olbrich Gardens and loved hiking in the bluffs of Devil's Lake State Park.

Kelli is survived by three sisters Kerri (Jan) Ehrengren, Kim (Bryce) Nygaard and Kendra Koltyn and her many nieces and nephews/great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by Mike Kiergaard (partner in life), Marion and Audrey Koltyn (Father and Mother) and Kyle Koltyn (brother).

Kelli laughed often, lived fully and loved much. Her soul has moved on to the next adventure.

In lieu of a funeral service or flowers, please donate to an animal or nature/environmental cause.

Published by Madison.com on Aug. 18, 2026