" Rita and Sons, Was very sorry to hear of Doug's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sharon Neubauer "
In loving memory of
Douglas Peter Kelly
September 11, 1945 - August 30, 2020
Douglas Peter Kelly passed away peacefully at St. Mary's emergency room Sunday, August 30, 2020, following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born September 11, 1945, in Decorah, Iowa, and grew up in Canton, Minnesota, where he attended school and graduated in 1963. Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force and served his country from 1963-1967. Douglas was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in the 4420th Civil Engineering Squadron at Hurlburt Field, serving RED HORSE units in Southeast Asia and the SAWC. He was proud to be part of the Special Forces Operations creating airfields and training field officers for combat in the Vietnam War. He was a patriot and loved this nation dearly.
Doug spent many years as a business owner in the construction industry, employing and teaching many the value of hard work and the art of masonry. After 35 years in the trades, Doug became the Facilities Coordinator at Calvary Evangelical Free Church, applying his knowledge of buildings and organizational skills before retiring in 2015. Throughout his life, he enjoyed many genuine friendships and loved to have coffee, visit, tease, and "give a bad time" to those he loved the most. He was involved in youth ministries and had a passion for helping kids become their best. He went on four mission trips to the Dominican Republic, building churches for Iglesia Nueva Vida and sharing his construction knowledge and talents. He was also heavily involved in the construction of the Rochester Soldiers Field Memorial.
Doug also had many recreational interests and hobbies, including woodworking, coin collecting, and his favorite adventure of gold prospecting, traveling to Colorado, Georgia, Alaska, and California. He was a friend of Bill W and shared his story in meetings in the community, helping countless others live their best lives. He volunteered to host AA meetings for inmates at the Federal Medical Center for twelve years and met just last week for coffee with friends. His compassion for others' lives was endless. Doug attended Autumn Ridge Church and especially enjoyed the Wednesday men's group, where he met new friends and shared in fellowship.
In 1970 he met and married Rita (Wax) Kelly, and they celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 27, 2020. He was a family man and loved to attend his large family's activities. He rarely missed a gathering or event and would always be found visiting with the men, teasing the kids, or pulling up a chair at the women's table conversation. Doug's interest in family genealogy and his Irish roots drew him to tracking the family tree and traveling with Rita to Blacklion, Co Cavan, Ireland, where his interest and knowledge of the Kelly family expanded further. He enjoyed all sports, following his sons' college football careers from Kentucky to North Dakota and all points between, he rarely missed a home game. He also enjoyed following his nieces and nephews' sports, including wrestling, baseball, basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading.
Doug is survived by his wife, Rita, sons Adam (Laura) Kelly of Rochester, MN, Aaron (Stacey) Kelly of Duluth, MN, grandchildren Whittaker and Vivian; Eva, Fiona, and Olivia; siblings Marilyn Erickson of Houston, MN, Ladonna (Cleon) Brenno of Canton, MN, and Mary Faith (Lynn) Martinson of Monona, IA; sisters-in-law Donna Kelly of Cresco, IA, Carolyn Kelly of Harmony, MN, Vergene Kelly of Canton, MN, Peg Kelly of Albert Lea, MN, Lisa Kelly of Rochester, MN; and multiple nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary, and brothers Frank, Leo, James, Paul, and Bob.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Autumn Ridge Church/Student.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Friday, September 4, 2020 at Autumn Ridge Church, 3611 Salem Rd SW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901 and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Canton, MN with full military honors.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kelly family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Dear Rita, Adam, Aaron and families, We were so sorry to learn of Doug's passing. We hadn't heard he was dealing with cancer. Doug was a great friend to us and to so many. We enjoyed his sense of humor and appreciated his many skills. His service to Calvary for many years was greatly appreciated. We also enjoyed many good times as friends, remembering in particular camping with the Jr. High Group at Noah's Ark those many years ago! Doug will be greatly missed, most of all by you, his family. Our sympathy, love and prayers are with you. Dick & Sharon Bjerkaas"
"To Rita, Adam and Aaron, We were so sorry to hear about our neighbor and friend from two neighborhoods, 31st Street and Cummingsville. Doug and Rita were some of the first people to welcome us to Rochester and we enjoyed their company and watching their children grow up. We will miss our conversations with Doug on Country Road 129 which always covered many issues. May he rest in peace! Mary and Quint Lohse"
"My deepest sympathy to Rita, Adam, Aaron and the extended families. I always enjoyed Doug, he was passionate about lots of things, especially sports teams back when the boys played football at JM and then in college. I recall some great conversations and backyard get togethers back when we all lived on 31st Street. He will be greatly missed by many. Blessings, Bruce "
"Rita~ My son Erik loved his time with Doug on the missions trip to the Dominican Republic. I remember a bet between the two of them....if Erik would cut his long hair Doug would quit smoking. They loved to tease and challenge each other!!! I thank God for Doug's presence in Erik's life. "
"Such a beautiful tribute in the pictures and video- I only knew Dough for a few years but he made quite the impact on my husband and me. I called him BEARCLAW because of his enormous and strong hands. He was always with a cup of coffee and telling stories with funny quips. He raised two wonderful men which is a testament to his example. Our deepest condolences to the family. "
"First and foremost I would like extend my deepest condolences to Aunt Rita, Adam (Laura), Aaron (Stacy) as well as the rest of the extended family. As a kid I had the pleasure of spending time with Uncle Doug weather it was at Grandmas house in Rolf during summer or in Rochester during the holidays. When Uncle Doug was around there was always something interesting, unusual and no doubt fun happening. Uncle Doug you were real deal and you will certainly be missed but never forgotten!"
"Doug, it is a rare friendship that lasts for 57 years. I will miss you greatly. Doug and I met in 1963 at Eglin Airforce Base- we were about 18 at the time. You knew how to have fun in life and we enjoyed many adventures and good times together over the years. Doug was more than a good friend he was family. We shared a lot of great times together through the years with each other and our families. You taught me what a true and good friend is. Doug, I am honored and grateful to have been your friend. "
"Rita I was so sad to see this. I never met Doug but remember you always happy talking about him way back when we worked together on St.85 and 11-1. My sympathy to you and your family and hopefully you will be surrounded by numerous loving arms to support you all through your loss. Always in friendship , Cheryl Beier"
"His handshake was impressive. So was his heart. He had a knack for knowing when someone needed to talk. He listened well. Doug and Rita pointed me to Jesus when I was in a bad place. I am forever grateful."
"I met Doug in the late 70?s, little did I know he would be my future wife?s uncle. Doug was a hoot, full of life and always ready for a laugh. A hard worker but a zest for life we should all have. He will be missed. To Rita and the boys, thanks for sharing him with the rest of us, I know he impacted a lot of lives. Rest In Peace my friend.????"
"Cousin Doug so sad to hear this news! I remember talking to you, at my sister Pat?s funeral about how we hated loosing ours siblings! Never thinking you would be next! Always loved seeing you & Rita & we will never forget our adventure in Colorado with you two! Gold mining, romping around on your 4 wheeler, playing cards, celebrating your wedding anniversary. I felt we were on top of the world up there!! I know you have a lot to tell all our relatives up there! And ? until we meet again may God hold you in the hollow of his hand?!???? Tom & Kathy(Kelly) Van Berkum Love to you & family Rita see you all Friday."
"Rita and family,. Want to send my sympathy to you and family. Try to remember the good times ,May God be with you."
"I'm heartbroken, Doug was my first boss. He took a chance on me when I was a junior in high school. We spent many years together at Kelly's Fireside Shoppe and developed a close knit little family with Tim, Steve, John, Rhonda and who can forget Ron Turcott!!! The last time I seen Doug was this past spring on 16th Street, I was in my RPS van and he was in his red truck. We drove side by for quite a while laughing and chatting. I promised him I would stop in and catch up in near future. If I could only turn back time. Rita, Adam, Aaron and families my deepest sympathies are with all of you! Find comfort in your memories because I know there was seldom a dull moment when Doug Kelly was present. Rene' (Oelkers)Lunde"
"Doug was a soft-hearted man with a tough exterior. I always thought of him as a John Wayne Christian. He truly cared about people and it was a pleasure to work with him on a number of occasions. When he complained it was usually about people who tried to get through life without putting effort into it. If you worked hard, you had his respect. He is truly missed. "
"What a blessing to all of us who were fortunate enough to call him "friend" ... he saw me through one of the roughest times of my life and helped me heal ... he watched over the building of my home and made decisions I couldn't make ... the laughter at just the right time... the teaching my boys to "lay brick" .... helping me earn money by letting me help with him in his furniture shop ... my house has much of his handy work... putting in one of my gardens ... just watching him live his life so fully ... the enormous love for his family ... always there for his friends ... always seemed like he could do anything ... the way he would show up at my "girl" parties in costumes and make the time more fun and give us photo opps , lots of laughs and always put life into any "event" ... only a very few of my good memories .... he was a strong and giving man ... he made my life better and what a gift to give to anyone. He will be well remembered and loved by all of my family. My prayers are with all of the family . "