F. Kelton "Kelly" Gage

F. Kelton “Kelly” Gage, age 92, of Mankato died, peacefully Thursday, October 5, 2017 at New Perspective Senior Living in Mankato.

Memorial Service 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Centenary United Methodist Church, Mankato. Visitation will be from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato – Hospice, Centenary United Methodist Church, or the donor’s choice. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. www.mankatomortuary.com

Kelly was born June 20, 1925 to Fred Kelton and Vivian (Johnson) Gage in Minneapolis. He served his country during World War II from 1943-46 with the US Navy Seabees. He returned from service and later graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School. He came to Mankato to practice law from 1950 thru 2000 and continued after retirement with Pro Bono work.

Kelly was united in marriage to Dorothy A. Almlie on September 7, 1974 in Mankato. Kelly was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church. He was very active in civic organizations including, Past President of the Minnesota Jaycees, Mankato School Board, Minnesota State Senator, Past President of the Minnesota Bar Association, Past President of the MSU Lifelong Learners, Minnesota State College Board, Riverblenders, and Mankato Kiwanis. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, tennis, playing bridge and pfeffer, watching Jeopardy, dancing, and he attempted to play golf. Kelly enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Kelly is survived by his wife, Dorothy; children, Debbie (Ron Rainey) Gage of San Jose, CA, Penny (Gary) Reinders of Centennial, CO, Amy (David Studer) Gage of St. Paul, and L.J. (Nicole) Gage of Needham, MA; step-daughter, Mary Mertesdorf of Good Thunder; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Joe (Brandi) Reinders and children, Braxton and Trevin, Jenni (Dan) Harrower and children, Dylan and Delayney, Emma (Ben Greenhagen) Rainey and child, Madeleine, Kate Rainey, Sam and Nate Studer, Eric and Evan Gage; step grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Angela (Kevin) Effertz and children, Cole, Ashley, Drew, and Luke, Kimberly (Dan) Scicluna and children, Tess and Sabrina, Adam (Lisa) Putrah and children, Nathan and Matthew; brother, Jim (Mary) Gage of North Oaks, MN; sister, Kitty Chase of Prescott, AZ; sisters-in-law, Ramona Crawford, Roberta Foster, Shirley Doolittle, and Mary Jackson; and extended family.

Kelly was preceded in death by his parents; son, Fred Gage; brother and sister-in-law, Jack (Nancy) Gage; brother-in-law, Rolfe Chase; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Frank and Hazel Hemingway; son-in-law, John Mertesdorf.