To view a recording of the service access https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas
Kelly Martin Keller, 68, Minot, formerly of Devils Lake and Rugby, died Friday, November 1, 2024 surrounded by friends and family after a short and difficult battle with cancer.
Kelly was born February 17, 1956 in Rugby, North Dakota, the son of John and Margaret (Zacher) Keller. He was raised on the family farm in rural Esmond/Balta, and later graduated from Esmond High School in 1974. Following high school, Kelly worked for Lunde Construction in Esmond.
In 1975, Kelly married Julie Syverson. They were blessed with two children; Shawn was born in 1977, and Valerie in 1979. Kelly and Julie resided in Esmond and Harvey before moving the family to Watford City in 1979. While in Watford City, Kelly was a driver for Power Fuels, Koch and American Anchor.
The family moved to Rugby in 1988 for Kelly to pursue a career in law enforcement as a Deputy with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department. Kelly was a graduate of the second class of the UND Lake Region Peace Officer Training Program. Kelly served the citizens of Pierce County until 2003. He then moved to Center, where he continued his law enforcement career as a Deputy with the Oliver County Sheriff’s Department until 2011. Following his time with Oliver County, he was employed as a truck driver with Rud Transportation.
In 2012 Kelly moved to Devils Lake to be closer to family, but anyone who knew Kelly really knew it was to be closer to the lake for fishing. While in Devils Lake, he commuted to Western North Dakota continuing his career as a truck driver. Later, he went to Goodnight Midstream as a pumper where he worked up until he became too ill in September of this year.
Kelly enjoyed time with his family, hunting, fishing, napping (“just resting my eyes”), and a good night at the slots. His other passion was his work, he took pride in his job and his co-workers often became like family.
Kelly is survived by his son, Shawn (Shylah), and daughter Valerie (Matt) Carman; grandchildren, Bradyn & ChayLee Hewson, Piper Carman, Kyleigh Keller and Adley & Aubryn Leonard; siblings, Eileen Domier, Dwight (Elsie), Donna (Donald) Welk, Sheila (Leonard) Pedersen, and sister-in-law Helen Keller; dear friends, Arnie and Daina Swenson; and several nieces and nephews.
Kelly was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Duane and James; sister, Judy Goldade; and nephews Chad Goldade & Brian Keller.
Funeral Liturgy: Friday, November 8, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home. To view a recording of the service access https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas
Visitation: Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home.
*Kelly made the generous decision to donate his body to the University of North Dakota, so no burial will take place following his service. A private family burial will take place after his time with the University is complete.
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