John Kelly

FUNERAL SERVICES: 1:00 P.M., Saturday, November 1, 2008 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids VISITATION: 4-8:00 P.M., Friday, October 31, 2008 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday INTERMENT: Bethel Cemetery SURVIVORS: His wife, Cindy; his 4 children: Hillary Grace (James) Kayser-Poor of Swansea, Ill., Conrad John Holbrook Kelly of Park Rapids, Alexis Joanna (Jake) Peters of Park Rapids, Morgan Anne Kelly of Park Rapids; 5 grandchildren: Dezirae, Adryeanna, Sophia and Lincoln Poor and Shelby Ann Billing-Kelly; a sister, LaVerne Schaefer of Park Rapids; and a brother, Rollo (Josie) Kelly of Ventura, CA; JOHN EARL DAVID KELLYJanuary 12, 1943 " October 27, 2008 John Kelly, age 65 of Park Rapids, MN passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 27, 2008 at St. Joseph"s Area Health Services in Park Rapids. John was born on January 12, 1943 to Fred and Lydia (Hanau) Kelly in Minneapolis, MN. He was raised on the family farm in Kingston, MN. John moved to Staples, MN to attend high school where he lived his sister and brother-in-law, LaVerne & Dr. James Schaefer. He graduated from high school with the class of 1961. Following graduation, he made a move to California where he worked for IBM for a time and went on to receive a degree in Dental Technology from Los Angeles City College. John was united in marriage to Hortencia Ramirez. This union was blessed with a daughter, Hillary born in 1971. John and his family moved to Tucson, AZ where he opened his first dental laboratory. In the early 1970s John returned to Park Rapids to be near his parents who had retired there. John began a new life with a new dental laboratory south of Park Rapids. In 1975, he met Cynthia Sumstad from Barrett, MN who was working for Dr. Robert Gibson of Fergus Falls who was one of John"s first clients. John and Cindy were united in marriage on August 4, 1976 in Minneapolis, MN. This union was blessed with 3 children: Conrad, Alexis & Morgan. Together, John & Cindy established NorthStar Orthodontic Laboratory in 1976 which currently employs over 100 people and serves orthodontists and dentists across the country. When he wasn"t busy with work, he loved to play pool on the local pool league and keep a beautiful yard and garden. He looked forward to weekend sports with family and big dinners which he helped prepare. He proudly spent many summers supporting his daughter Morgan"s riding career in the Arabian Horse circuit. Each year, John and his family looked forward to attending the Minnesota State Fair, which was a cherished tradition. John began his years of community service after he was nominated to attend the Blandin Community Leadership Program. John"s various community activities included: member and past president of Rotary International where he received the Paul Harris award, Park Rapids city council member, Shell Masonic Lodge AF and AM, council member of Calvary Lutheran Church, co-chair of the local school bond issue which resulted in the creation of Century School. John served on the Board of Directors for Bell Hill Recovery Center, Lady Slipper Designs, St. Joseph"s Hospital, and most currently Northwoods Bank of Minnesota. He dedicated his life to the organization of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was an avid believer in Servant Leadership Philosophy and loved carrying its message. He also received the H.N. Bishop Service Award. John was committed to supporting numerous charitable organizations which included: The Park Rapids Education Foundation, The Hubbard County Area Food Shelf, The American Cancer Society"s Relay For Life and countless other worthy organizations. John is survived by his wife, Cindy; his 4 children: Hillary Grace (James) Kayser-Poor of Swansea, Ill., Conrad John Holbrook Kelly of Park Rapids, Alexis Joanna (Jake) Peters of Park Rapids, Morgan Anne Kelly of Park Rapids; 5 grandchildren: Dezirae, Adryeanna, Sophia and Lincoln Poor and Shelby Ann Billing-Kelly; a sister, LaVerne Schaefer of Park Rapids; a brother, Rollo (Josie) Kelly of Ventura, CA; and 4 nieces & nephews. John is preceded in death by his parents and infant granddaughter, Addison Mae Peters. Funeral service will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, November 1, 2008 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with Reverend Ken Nyhusmoen officiating. The organist will be Roz Pederson. The congregational hymn will be "Amazing Grace". Soloist Brenda Carpenter will sing "Borning Cry" & "As Time Goes By". Edward Kidd will sing an original song accompanied by his acoustic guitar. The Casketbearers will be: Glen Schaefer, representing John"s love for his parental family, Dan Grothe, representing John"s love for Cindy and her family, Cecil Cordahl, representing John"s love for service to others, Bob Glagavs, representing John"s thanks to all who have helped him through his life, Dave Stevens, representing John"s love for friends and laughter & Scot Zentz, representing John"s love for nature and Fishhook lake. Interment will be made in Bethel Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4-8:00 P.M., Friday, October 31, 2008 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.