Patrick D. Kelly, age 81, of Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday, June 1, 2010 at Mahnomen Health Center Hospital, under the care of Hospice.

Patrick D. Kelly was born on March 17, 1929 to Henry and Ann (O Brian) Kelly, He grew up in rural North Dakota, near Webster and attended country school near there. At the age of 13, Patrick moved with his family to Minneapolis, MN where he attended Minneapolis South, graduating with the class of 1947. He then attended the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul where he obtained his bachelor's degree. In 1952, Patrick was united in marriage to Jeanne Widman in St. Paul, MN. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted and entered the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the rank of Captain. Pat served one year in Korea after which he served in the Marine Corps Reserves, earning the rank of major. After his honorable discharge, he returned to the Minneapolis and began working for Butler Manufacturing building grain bins and steel buildings. Two years later, they moved to Lansing, MI and worked for a similar company then for a car manufacturing plant. Pat then began a career in sales. While continuing to live in Lansing, he traveled as he worked for a pharmaceutical company in Indiana selling medical supplies. He worked for a number of medical supply companies throughout the 1960's and 1970's while living in Madison, WI, Plymouth, WI and Hingham, MA. After many years of traveling, Pat wanted to settle down and own his own business. In 1979, Pat purchased the Mahnomen Pioneer and went into the newspaper business, officially known as Laumon Publishing Company. Pat, along with the help of his family, had proudly operated the Mahnomen Pioneer for over 30 years.

Pat had a deep faith and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church and Parish Community. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Mahnomen Council #2573. Pat was a proud Irishman, born on St. Patrick's Day, and loved any reference to Ireland. He greatly enjoyed Irish music and sayings.

Pat was truly devoted to his printing business. He worked very hard and always published on time. In addition to owning the business, Pat also made many personal connections and built relationships within the community through sales and as a columnist. These relationships were very important to him, both with his friends and his family. Pat was very proud of each of his six children and cherished the time he spent with them.


Pat is survived by his wife, Jeanne of Mahnomen; four sons: Kevin of Pembroke, MA, Kyle of Scituaute, MA, Brian of Fargo, ND, Colin (Diane) also of Fargo; and two daughters, Molly (Chuck) Ruel and Shannon (Michael) Bakken; two brothers, Henry and Tom; and 11 grandchildren: Jason Kelly, Matthew Kelly, Chuck Ruel, Meganne Ruel, James Stock, Sara Stock, Jordan Kelly, Seth Kelly, Drew Kelly, and Rachel Kelly.
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, June 7, 2010 at 2:00 pm at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Visitation will be held 2 hours prior to the mass on Monday at the church.

Interment will be held at 1:45 PM on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.