Wayne "Knobby" Kelliher

Wayne "Knobby" G. Kelliher, age 92, passed away Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, surrounded by family. He was born December 21, 1933, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Ray and Marge "Gilbertson" Kelliher.

He is survived by his wife, Mary "Willmoth"; his son, Rick, and wife Sheryl; his grandson, Sean; and his brother, David (Rita). He was preceded in death by brothers Raymond and Larry.

Knobby graduated from Madison Central High School in 1951, then attended UW-Madison, where he played college baseball and served in the Air Force ROTC. After graduating, he then served in the Air Traffic Control division for three years in the Air Force, stationed primarily in Okinawa, Japan, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. He retired from the Air Force as a Captain in 1964. He was named an All-Star on the Air Force football team, playing in front of 78,000 fans in a 20-0 win over the Navy All-Stars.

Knobby married the love of his life, Mary, on April 9, 1960, in Madison. Their son, Rick, was born in 1968. The couple's journey together began in New Richmond, Wisconsin, where Knobby taught and coached for two years, leading the boys' basketball team to its first state appearance in school history. He then taught and coached for two years at Wisconsin Dells High School. They then returned to Madison, where he taught and coached at Madison Central High School until it closed in 1969, then at Madison East High School as head football and baseball coach until his retirement in 1996.

He earned his master's degree in education at UW-Madison. Knobby directed the Madison boys' baseball program and the Wisconsin Coaches' Clinic, led East's baseball team to three state tournaments and its football team to two, and officiated high school basketball, including four state championship games, as well as college football and basketball for the Wisconsin State Universities Athletic Conference, officiating five college championship games.

Knobby is a member of the Madison Sports Hall of Fame, the Wisconsin High School Football Hall of Fame, and the Madison East Hall of Fame. A baseball diamond at East High School is named in his honor, and his name is on the Warner Park Wall of Fame.

Above all, Knobby loved his wife, son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, Sean, and was happiest with the five of them together. He also enjoyed golfing, lunches with friends, and watching sports.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Wayne’s name may be made to Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Service and Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Drive, Madison. A visitation will be held on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.