G. Adolph "Duffy" Kjelmyhr

G. Adolph ‘Duffy’ Kjelmyhr passed peacefully at Elim Rehab and Care Center on April 27, 2018 in Fargo, ND at the age of 85. Duffy was born on May 29, 1932 in Galesburg, ND to Gina and Adolph Kjelmyhr. He was baptized on October 15, 1932 at Elm River Lutheran Church. He grew up on a farm northwest of Galesburg where his father grew wheat, oats, and barley and raised cattle, pigs, and lambs. Duffy attended Broad-lawn #5 township country school and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1952. After high school, Duffy married Orrel Anderson of Grandin, N.D. Soon after they moved to Issaquah, Washington where he worked for the Fischer Flour Mill. Orrel passed away after 27 years of marriage and Duffy later married Merle McNotin. They made their home in Ellensburg, Washington, where Duffy had a large garden with many flowers and small farm animals. After his divorce from Merle, Duffy made his home in Casselton, ND where he was reunited with a special friend, Jeanie Paulson. Duffy then moved to the Good Samaritan Society- Arthur. In 2016, Duffy made the transition to Elim Care and Rehab Center where he engaged in activities and attended church until his death. One of Duffy’s most remarkable accomplishments is receiving the Seattle Times Award for Valor. On Feb. 18, 1981, Duffy came upon a severe car/truck accident on the Mercer Island Floating Bridge in Seattle. Along with three other men, Duffy helped free a young man from a burning car. Risking his own life, Duffy helped pull the unconscious man through the car window only seconds before flames engulfed the vehicle. Duffy is preceded in heaven by his wife Orrel, his step-children Dick, Denny, Betty, Judy, and Patti. Duffy was also reunited with his parents, Aldoph and Gina and his sisters Lillian and Olga. Duffy is survived by his grandchildren; Jody, Tom, Kari, KC, Missy, Ricky, Kelli Jo, and by his nieces; Mary and Sandy. As well as numerous great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. A celebration and blessing of Duffy’s life is scheduled for Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 6:30pm on the farmstead Duffy grew up on which is 3 miles west of Galesburg on County Road 1, and ½ mile North, tree claim on the west side of the road.