Kenneth Mitchell Wiley

May 15, 1958 – May 14, 2025

Kenneth (Ken) Mitchell Wiley—beloved husband, stepfather, papa, brother, and friend—passed away peacefully on May 14, 2025, at the University of Utah Hospital, just one day before his 67th birthday. He passed, holding the hand of his devoted wife, Kristi.

Ken was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lived a life rooted in compassion, service, and love. He loved his family with his entire heart and treasured every moment spent with them.

Born in Long Beach, California, and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ken had a lifelong passion for sports and music. A proud fan of the Dodgers, Rams, and Lakers, he played both baseball and basketball in high school and later enjoyed playing on a recreational baseball team. He and Kristi especially loved visiting California together and attending Dodgers games. Ken also enjoyed bowling and skiing, and he found joy and comfort in the timeless energy of classic rock.

Education came naturally to Ken. He studied at the University of Utah and Stevens-Henager College and continued his professional development through numerous seminars and training programs with Odyssey House.

Ken served as the Director of Odyssey House in both Salt Lake City and New Orleans, making a lasting difference in the lives of those navigating recovery and personal growth. He was known for his compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping others.

His life was richly blessed by the close and loving bond he shared with his wife Kristi. They shared a beautiful partnership rooted in love and joy. They delighted in life’s simple pleasures—movie nights, walks, and spending time with family.

He was a proud and loving “Papa Ken” to his granddaughter, Eloise, and held his time with her close to his heart.

Ken was especially appreciative of his daughter Jaselyn, who was always there to help him get to appointments and support his care. He was incredibly proud of her dedication and hard work in becoming a nurse.

Ken is survived by his wife, Kristi; daughter Jaselyn (Kevin) Short; granddaughter Eloise; his children, Keaton and Briana; siblings Stephen Wiley, Dave Wiley, Karen Wiley, and Christopher Musetto; and his stepfather, Pietro Musetto.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marjorie Wiley, and his beloved dog, Bella.

In the later years of his life, Ken faced numerous health challenges, which he met with incredible strength, determination, and courage. On the day following his passing, his family learned that he had been battling a very rare and aggressive blood cancer known as intravascular large cell lymphoma—a diagnosis that had gone undetected until it was too advanced.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at the University of Utah Medical ICU, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and St. Mark’s ICU for their care and kindness during Ken’s final days. A special thank you to Ken’s primary care doctor, Dr. Casull, and her nurse, Fabiola, for their dedicated and thoughtful care. The family also extends their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bhatti, Ken’s Hematologist-Oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute, for his guidance and support in helping reach a diagnosis.

Ken will be remembered for his resilience, humor, and generous spirit. He lived with strength and heart—qualities that will live on in all who knew and loved him. A private graveside service for family and close friends will be held.