Mitchell James Riley, 18, of Oregon, Ill., grandson of Rose Mary Riley of Iola, born May 10, 1993, in Lincoln, Neb., lost his 16-month battle to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on Friday, March 30, 2012, in Madison, Wis.
The son of Philip and Dawn Riley and brother of Brett Riley embraced all challenges. At 13 he became an Eagle Scout and was later selected for Order of the Arrow. A lover of computers and technology, Mitchell also competed as part of the Blackhawk Robotics Team. When not riding his bike, swimming, water or snow skiing, Mitchell was a competitor in Scholastic Bowl at Newman Central Catholic High School, Sterling, Ill., where he was also active in choir. His senior year, Mitchell qualified to participate in the Illinois Music Educators’ Association, a competitive-selection choir. In addition, Mitchell earned the male lead role in the high school musical but was unable to fulfill that honor as he was diagnosed prior to the spring production. After graduation, Mitchell planned to accomplish a lifelong dream to attend Kansas State University, where his purple passion as a Wildcat fan could be lived as he worked toward a degree in electrical engineering (EMAW). Mitch attended two-weeks before he relapsed and returned to American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison for treatment.
Mitchell is also survived by grandparents Paul and Carol Deters, Harveyville, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Maurice Riley, Iola.
Public visitation is today from 3 to 8 p.m., beginning with a Rosary at 3 o’clock and ending with a second Rosary at 8 p.m. at St. Mary Learning Center, 881 Mongan Dr., Oregon, Ill. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Newman Central Catholic High School, Sterling. Burial will be at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Oregon.
A memorial fund has been established in Mitchell’s name. Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon, is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit the website at www.farrellhollandgale.com.
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