Kelly P. (O’Connell) Harnisch Obituary-Death: 64-Year-Old Cottage Grove Woman Dies After Cancer Battle
A Creative Life Remembered for Kindness and Inspiration
Kelly P. (O’Connell) Harnisch, 64, of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, passed away on September 29, 2026, at UW Hospital in Madison, surrounded by her family. She is remembered for her creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and devotion to family and community.
Kelly P. Harnisch Obituary
Kelly P. Harnisch was born on December 25, 1961, to Michael and Nancy (Lessner) O’Connell. She graduated from Madison LaFollette High School in 1980 and built a career around her passion for floral design.
She began working in her family’s floral business, Mike’s Place Floral, later known as Floral Studio @ 301, in Madison. Her talent earned her recognition in the floral industry. She also taught floral design at Madison Area Technical College and was selected to join the floral design team for President George W. Bush’s inauguration.
Kelly’s professional interests extended beyond floral design. She traveled internationally to develop products for the industry and worked with the Anthony Robbins organization as part of its leadership team. She also opened a gift shop called Splurge, first in Cottage Grove and later in Sun Prairie.
Her community involvement included volunteering with the Sun Prairie Lions Club and participating in its curling team, as well as membership in the Madison Curling Club.
Kelly was known for her sense of humor, personal style, spirituality, and ability to encourage others. She valued prayer and made a point of expressing love and appreciation to those close to her. Her family also remembered her affection for animals and wildlife, which earned her the nickname “Snow White.”
Kelly is survived by her husband, Brad Harnisch; her sons, Justin Steiner and Sean Steiner; her mother, Nancy O’Connell; her brothers, Tim O’Connell and Michael O’Connell Jr.; and extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, her son Aaron Steiner, and her brother Mark O’Connell.
Personal Details
Detail Information
Full Name Kelly P. (O’Connell) Harnisch
Age 64
Residence Cottage Grove, Wisconsin
Date of Birth December 25, 1961
Date of Death September 29, 2026
Education Madison LaFollette High School, Class of 1980
Occupations Floral designer, educator, business owner
Husband Brad Harnisch
Sons Justin Steiner and Sean Steiner
Mother Nancy O’Connell
Brothers Tim O’Connell and Michael O’Connell Jr.
Interests Floral design, travel, wildlife, curling, and spirituality
Incident and Death Details
Detail Information
Name Kelly P. Harnisch
Age at Death 64
Date of Death September 29, 2026
Place of Death UW Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin
Cause of Death Cancer
Funeral Home Apfel-Ehlert Funeral Home, Edgerton, Wisconsin
Obituary Publication Date October 9, 2026
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
A visitation and memorial service were scheduled for Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at The Fields Reserve, 2479 Glenn Drive, Stoughton, Wisconsin.
Visitation was scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 4 p.m. A celebration of Kelly’s life was planned immediately afterward.
Apfel-Ehlert Funeral Home in Edgerton handled the arrangements.
Final Tribute
Kelly P. Harnisch leaves behind a legacy of creativity, compassion, and encouragement. Through her floral artistry, teaching, business ventures, and community involvement, she shared her talents with others.
Her family and friends will remember her humor, spirituality, and unconditional love. May their cherished memories bring comfort during this time of loss.
