Joseph R. Kelly, 69 of Cokato, MN passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday November 11th, 2025 following years of health-related issues. Joe was born June 1st, 1956 to Robert and Beverly (Johnson) Kelly in Buffalo, MN. He was the middle child of seven children.
He attended Stockholm school and later graduated in 1974 from Dassel-Cokato High School. From a young age, he milked cows and farmed and continued after he married Gwendolyn Hallberg on April 4th, 1981. He spent the greater part of his life working in construction, primarily pouring concrete.
Joe enjoyed nature all his life, making and splitting wood to warm their home, collecting and moving rocks, having bonfires, shooting fireworks, and hunting. He loved ice fishing and was typically the first one to drive on the lake. He spent countless hours shooting his guns and was proud to watch his kid’s trapshooting. Joe had a story for everything, and you always knew you’d be there awhile when he told it!
He is survived by his wife, Gwendolyn, children Jacob (Melissa Stang), Alicia, Becky & John. His siblings, Mike (Pat) Kelly, Kathy Kelly, Tim (Robin) Kelly, Charlotte Ainslie of Lavina, MT, Jen (Ben) Brown of Red Lodge, MT, & Lori Clark of Billings, MT and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law George Ainslie and a dog named Dozer.
A private family burial service will be held at a later date.
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