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Lee E. Kelm

September 11, 1948 ~ June 16, 2026

Born in: Enderlin, North Dakota
Resided in: Fargo, North Dakota

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Lee’s service will be livestreamed below:

https://www.youtube.com/atonementfargo

Lee Eric Kelm, age 77, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. He was born on September 11, 1948, to Erich and Eileen (Fraase) Kelm in rural Enderlin, North Dakota.

Lee dedicated his career to education, serving as a school superintendent and as a longtime football coach. He had a deep love for sports and made a lasting impact on countless students, athletes, and communities through his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the field.

He was active in Atonement Lutheran Church, where his faith was central to his life, and he contributed generously with his time. Lee made long lasting connections and found another family within the church.

Lee enjoyed time at the lake, trips to Branson, listening to music, and spending time with his family and friends.

Lee was preceded in death by his father, Erich Kelm, and his mother, Eileen Kelm.

He is survived by his sister, Lois Grushkowsky; his step brother-in-law, John T. Welker; his nephew, Michael Grushkowsky; and his nieces, Sarah Grushkowsky and Elizabeth Grushkowsky.

A visitation will take place from 5:00-6:00 PM followed by a prayer at 6:00 PM Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Atonement Lutheran Church, Fargo. Services will continue from 10:00-11:00 AM Followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM Friday, June 26, 2026, at the church. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.

Memorial contributions may be made to Atonement Lutheran Church.

Services

Visitation: Thursday, June 25, 2026 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S University Dr
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-9651
https://www.atonementfargo.org/

Add to My Calendar America/Chicago 2026-06-25 17:00:00 2026-06-25 06:00:00 LeeE.KelmVisitation Visitation 4601 S University Dr,Fargo, North Dakota 58104

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Prayer Service: Thursday, June 25, 2026 6:00 pm

Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S University Dr
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-9651
https://www.atonementfargo.org/

Add to My Calendar America/Chicago 2026-06-25 18:00:00 2026-06-25 18:00:00 LeeE.KelmPrayer Service Prayer Service 4601 S University Dr,Fargo, North Dakota 58104

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Visitation: Friday, June 26, 2026 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S University Dr
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-9651
https://www.atonementfargo.org/

Add to My Calendar America/Chicago 2026-06-26 10:00:00 2026-06-26 11:00:00 LeeE.KelmVisitation Visitation 4601 S University Dr,Fargo, North Dakota 58104

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Funeral Service : Friday, June 26, 2026 11:00 am

Atonement Lutheran Church
4601 S University Dr
Fargo, North Dakota 58104
(701) 237-9651
https://www.atonementfargo.org/

Add to My Calendar America/Chicago 2026-06-26 11:00:00 2026-06-26 11:00:00 LeeE.KelmFuneral Service Funeral Service 4601 S University Dr,Fargo, North Dakota 58104

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Burial:

Riverside Cemetery - Fargo
2102 5th St S
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
(701) 235-2671
https://www.fargoriverside.com/

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Guestbook

  1. So sorry to hear that Lee has passed away. My family knew him and his mom, and Lee played softball with my Dad..LeRoy Barton for quite a few years. They were very nice. R.I.P. Lee.

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  2. So sorry to hear about Lee….he will be missed by so many. Lots of memories with Lee.

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  3. I got to know Lee at Oak Grove High school where some of his close close friends called him “Buddha” because of his physical weight. HE did not mind us calling him that. He was on the football team where preformed very good. I also remember him being involved with wrestling. Lee always had a positive attitude.
    I saw him last at our high school classmate (Gary Helmrast) funeral. Unfortunately our class has not had any reunions in many years. Lee was a good friend, I will miss him and unfortunately I will be unable to attend his funeral. Blessed be his memory.

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  5. We met Lee in grade school years at Jefferson playground, in Fargo. His athletic prowess was obvious on the baseball diamond. He hit a lot of home runs… and had a lot of fun hitting them. Great to be on his team. He was well suited for a career in sports and coaching. Well done, Lee!

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  6. I am one of Lee’s former students. I marveled at his ability to lead a lecture in the classroom! His love of history always shined through! He will always be remembered for his leadership by example. He was a smart, positive, and motivational coach. I was lucky to have had him as a teacher, coach and friend.

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  7. Terri Nelson Gilbertson says:
    June 24, 2026

    Lee was a family friend from the 70s for me he was a good friend of my first husband Brian and his sister Lois was in my class . Eileen was a gem and her children are living proof of this may Lee be reunited with his parents and be with his loving Jesus. He will be missed here!

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  8. So sorry to hear of your passing Coach Kelm. You were one of the best, both teaching and coaching. Rest in peace.

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  9. Who did I talk to more than anyone else at our last Oak Grove reunion? Lee Kelm! We shared a love for teaching, coaching, high school football, and Branson! Lee was so easy to talk to. He was passionate about teaching and coaching, and I am certain that he impacted many lives during his life as a teacher, coach, and administrator. I will miss Lee at our reunions. He was a wonderful man and friend. RIP, Lee Kelm. You lived your life so well. You will be missed by everyone who knew you.
    Betty Jo Baana Rylander, Class of 1966

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  10. Coach K was a friend as well as a coach in HS! Always wanted a persons to be their best and put out the effort in life as well as sports! Blessed to know him!

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  11. Lee Kelm was a great teacher and coach, but above that, he was a great friend and person.

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    • Lee and I went too college together at Waldorf Jr College in Forest City Ia. We shared an apartment along with Ralph Schultz. The 3 of us had many great memories. Rest In Peace my friends

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