Jean M. Kelly

jean m. kelly
Jean M. Kelly, 75, Fargo passed away Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at Sanford Health, Fargo surrounded by her family. Jean was born December 31, 1941 at Mitchell, SD. At five months of age she was adopted by Lloyd and Nellie Anderson and brother, Ronald of Aberdeen, SD. Jean’s father died when she was three years old. Her mother raised Ronald and Jean to their adulthood. She attended school grades K-12 in Aberdeen, graduating June, 1959. She attended Northern State University for one year on a music scholarship. Jean then worked for a finance company and the U.S. Public Health Service, Division of Indian Health Service, in Aberdeen for 14 years. She earned several awards for exceptional work. After moving to Fargo she was employed by North Dakota State University for 16½ years. She was like a mother to many of the students. She received several college awards and the prestigious Gunkleman Award in 1992 which is awarded to someone on campus who makes NDSU a happier place for students, and by helping and meeting their needs in a pleasant manner. She retired from NDSU in December 2001. Jean married Wayne H. Kelly October 11, 1970 in Aberdeen, SD. She had two children, Matthew and Stephanie, who were the “lights of her life.” She was so proud of them and their accomplishments. She has four grandchildren, Colin, Nora, Connor and Lauren who she loves with all of her heart and soul. After Wayne retired from the federal government, they moved to Fargo, ND in January 1981. Music was Jean’s soul. She began singing in a church children’s choir in third grade. In high school, she sang solos with the A Capella Choir and was first chair soprano. Jean won the South Dakota State Music Contest and was awarded a 1-year vocal scholarship to Northern State University. She took all the music and business courses she could, knowing that she would only be attending for one year, as she had to support her mother. She also was in Band and Orchestra as a percussionist. In Aberdeen, she sang at church, weddings, funerals, conventions, her sorority and music club. During the summer, she soloed in many churches. In Fargo, she sang with church choirs and soloed in several cantatas. She was a member of Fargo-Moorhead Master Chorale for 13 wonderful years. The highlights of those years were when Master Chorale sang at Carnegie Hall in New York City. It was an experience of a lifetime. She was one of thirty from Master Chorale that were chosen to sing “backup” for Barry Manilow during a concert in Fargo. She was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and belonged to the Fargo-Moorhead Music Club for several years. She loved to read, sing, exchange recipes, and was blessed with a wonderful family and many friends. Jean was very friendly and made friends with just about everyone she met. She and Wayne kept busy by working on many projects around their home. Jean truly was a people person who made friends easily and was loved by a great many. She was Wayne’s best friend and a faithful love of his life. Wayne passed away on June 1, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her father and mother. Jean is survived by her son, Matthew Mac Kelly (Meghan), Wauwatosa, WI; daughter, Stephanie Kelly Siwek (Shawn), Bloomington, MN; brother, Ronald Anderson (Nikki), Carrolton, TX; four grandchildren, Colin Mac Kelly and Nora Mac Kelly, Wauwatosa, WI; Connnor Siwek and Lauren Siwek, Bloomington, MN; two nephews, Lance Anderson, Aurora, CO; Eric Anderson, Little Elm, TX; one niece, Kristin Kuhne, Richardson, TX; three stepchildren, Tim Kelly, Casper, WY, Cindy Kelly, Brooklyn Park, MN; step-grandchild, A.J. Prusinowski, Maple Grove, MN. Funeral Service: 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with visitation starting at 1:00 P.M. Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.

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  1. So sorry about the passing of Jean Kelly, she was a very nice person. My condolences to her children. Sincerely, Donna Nalewaja.

  2. On behalf of the faculty and staff in the College of Human Development and Education at NDSU, I wish to extend our sympathy to Jean’s family. Jean touched the lives of so many people in our college and we will miss her very much.

  3. Jean was a classmate in high school and l recall her beautiful singing..the heavens are now blessed with her talents..

  4. I remember from high school she a wonderful soul always very friendly She will greatly missed by family and friends. I will always remember her wonderful voice.

  5. My condolences to Shawn and Stephanie, and the whole family. She was always fun to visit with, and was such a nice person.

  6. Matt and Stephanie, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was an amazing woman. I met your mom through my sister Jeanette. Jeanette thought of your mom as a second mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

  7. Stephanie and entire Kelly Family. Your beloved Jean will be missed by many. She sounded like she lived a full and wonderful life. May your memories comfort you and your thoughts of her singing up in heaven give you joy. We are so sorry for your loss.

    The Custer Family
    Bloomington, Mn

  8. We are so saddened by the loss of Jean. She wa such a force brightening up a room as she entered. She will be missed very much by many.
    Praying for Matt and Steph and their families as they go thru this difficult time.
    God Bless
    Kris and John Buck

  9. Aunt Jean was someone I will always remember as both happy and smiling – which she brought with her wherever she went. My condolences to her children, my father, and her extended family on the loss of such a wonderful woman.

  10. Sending prayers of comfort to Jean’s family and friends. I treasure the time I was able to work with her at NDSU. What a gracious, caring, and fun woman. Loved her laugh.

  11. Bob and I send our prayers to Jean’s family. Bob knew Jean professionally at NDSU and was the first to say that he always saw her with that smile that simply made any day a good one. My friendship with Jean and Wayne began when our children were young and continued for many years. They were there for me in good times and were my rock when I needed emotional support in the not so good times. I know that Jean’s love for family held no boundaries and her love for friends was second to none. Heaven has a new angel with a beautiful voice!

  12. I have had the pleasure of styling Jean’s hair on Friday afternoons. I loved our visits. She always had great stories to share and we would talk about her younger years, her kids, her grandkids, her husband, and of course infomercials haha. She was always so sweet and you just knew she had a kind soul. I will miss her dearly ❤ love and hugs to her family and friends.

  13. Much sympathy from Rick and me. Jean was such an important member of our staff in Human Development and Education. She always had a smile, a positive attitude, and was willing to help however she could. Students and faculty loved working with her. She will be missed by many.

  14. I knew Jean from the time she was a little girl growing up in our Plymouth Congregational Church – she loved my mom and called her Mrs. Doris and my dad Mr. Doris (he loved that!) What a beautiful girl and what a lovely voice – her brother Ron was and still is a very dear friend. Sending my love and prayers to all of the family. God bless all of you at this sad time. Always, Sue Olofson

  15. Matt, Stephanie and family, Ray and I, along with David and family would like to extend our sympathy to you. We enjoyed so many fun times when you were living in Aberdeen. Jeanne and I kept in touch through our annual Christmas letters and pictures for many years. Jeanne will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time. Sincerely, Ray & Bev Mack and David & Katie Mack

  16. Matt, Stephanie, and family: We are sorry we are unable to attend in person, but extend our sympathies to you on the passing of your mother, Jean. We both have fond memories of Jean. Our condolences to you, Lance’s father, and her extended family on the loss of such a lovely woman.

  17. So sorry to hear about Jean passing away – I was hoping to call her to have lunch at Mexican Village soon. She was the sweetest person and the most genuine. Matt/Stephanie – because of a medical procedure I won’t be able to attend funeral.

  18. It is with great sadness that I heard of my good friend’s passing. I knew Jeanie for 70 years. We met in kindergarten and I have many memories from roller skating around her block, birthday parties, high school band trips and games, double dating and college experiences. And oh the laughing. She was a talented funny person who made everyone feel better. My condolences to her children who she adored and her brother, Ron.

    Farewell my sweet friend. May you join the choir of angels as they sing you to heaven. I will never forget you.

  19. Jeannie was always a good friend! She had a wonderful smile for everyone. Jean was truly a good person!

  20. I am so Sorry to just learn about your Mom. She was very dear to me and my Mom’s best friend. I just tried to call her today and am very sad I missed the funeral. My condolences to you all. I’m sure My Mom and her ate having a blast!!! She will be missed a lot!!! God Bless. Carla Hillstrom

  21. I remember hearing her beautiful voice and now she will have 1st. chair up in heaven.
    May God rest her soul forever,
    Dick Silvernail
    Omaha, Nebraska


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