Clair Kelly, age 81 of Lucan, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 13, 2025 at Tracy United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, January 12 at the Tracy Area Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Monday. Private family burial will be held at a later date in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Clair Kelly was born April 6, 1943 to Tom and Maxine (Yancy) Kelly in Bemidji, Minnesota. He was baptized February 13, 1948 at the United Methodist Church in Sherburn, MN and was confirmed May 12, 1957 at the United Methodist Church in Madelia, MN. Clair graduated from Truman High School in 1961. On September 5, 1964, Clair married Vivian Louise Goor at the United Methodist Church in Madelia and together they made their home in Fairmont. In 1987, Clair and Vivian moved to a farm near Lucan so Clair could farm with his father. In 1988, Clair got out of farming and went to work for Meadowland Farmers Coop where he worked for the remainder of his career in various capacities. In 1989, Clair and Vivian moved into Lucan. Clair was a member of the Lucan Fire Department for many years as well as the Lucan Lions. He had a deep love of Allis Chalmers ag equipment and had an extensive collection of Allis Chalmers toys. For several years, he joined the caravan of Allis Chalmers enthusiasts with his WD 45 Allis Chalmers tractor, and they drove – 10 miles per hour – all the way to tractor shows and threshing shows. Clair loved spending time with his extended family at the Irish Yard ballfield where he perfected the art of grilling burgers. Clair loved sports and cheered for his grandchildren at all their sporting events. He loved watching sprint car racing and traveling to many places including Alaska and Hawaii. He would often play cards with family and friends while enjoying a “Bush Latte”. He enjoyed attending area smelt feeds and driving the countryside in his ’57 Bel Air.
Clair is survived by his children: Peggy (Bob) Dolan of Milroy and Larry Kelly of Nicollet; grandchildren: Anthony (Andrea) Dolan, Lucas (Jenna) Dolan, Dominic (Jennie) Dolan, and Kendall Kelly; great-grandchildren: Annison, Emma, Elodie, Clara, Hallie, Cooper, Thea, and one on the way; sister JoAnn (Harley) Weaver; brother Mark (Jan) Kelly; many nieces & nephews; and all of his Irish baseball family who called him Grandpa. He is preceded in death by his parents, the love of his life, Vivian, son Timothy, and brothers Clayton and Jim.
