Patrick “Jerry” Kelly lost his 10 year battle with cancer on December 8, 2025 at the age of 83. He was a resident of Savage, Minnesota.

Born on April 30, 1942 to Patrick and Mildred (Minor) Kelly in Rapid City, South Dakota. He spent his early years in Quinn, South Dakota and at age 14, moved to Rapid City. He earned his BA degree from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota in 1964. He had a 32 year career as a Service Chief for the US Department of Veterans Affairs, serving in numerous VA Medical Centers throughout the United States, and ending at the VA in Minneapolis in 1999. Jerry served in the National Guard for 8 years and was a member of the American Legion for 50 years. As a young man, he enjoyed hunting and was an avid sports enthusiast throughout his life. In retirement, his greatest joy was his grandchildren. He loved hearing about and attending his grandchildren’s concerts, activities, and sporting events. He was loving, kind, and enjoyed helping others. Jerry had a generous spirit and continuously donated to many charitable organizations (including slipping his grandkids an occasional wad of money “on the sly”).

Jerry was preceded in death by his father and mother, brothers Robert Kelly, Donald Kelly, and his son Matthew Kelly. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Linda Kelly; son Christopher (Kaju) Kelly of Brooklyn Center, MN; son Timothy (Tammy) Kelly of Lafayette, LA; step-son Anthony (Stephanie) Boik of Fort Thomas, KY; step-daughter Tracy (Jon) Jasken of Shakopee, MN; and 12 grandchildren Christopher “Nico” Kelly, Jakob Kelly, Patrick Kelly, Kaylynn Kelly, Alaina Kelly, Cameron Kelly, Samantha Kelly, Ashley Boik, Autumn Boik, Zoey Boik, Grace Jasken, Olivia Jasken, and one great-grandchild Cole Patrick Kelly.

In lieu of memorials, tribute gifts can be made to Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans or Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota. 

Memorial service and celebration of life will be held on January 24, 2026 at River Hills United Methodist Church in Burnsville, MN. The gathering for family and friends will begin at 10:00am, memorial service at 11:00am, with a luncheon to follow.