Ellsworth M. Kelly

Ellsworth M. Kelly, age 95 of Lake Crystal, died Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at Crystal Seasons in Lake Crystal.

A Celebration of Ellsworth’s Life will be held from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the Lake Crystal American Legion, 600 County Road 20, Lake Crystal.  Family interment will be in Jerusalem Cemetery, rural Lake Crystal.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church or Mayo Hospice.  Lake Crystal Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.  www.mankatomortuary.com

Ellsworth was born May 16, 1925, to Edward and Alice (Nelson) Kelly in rural Lake Crystal.  He attended Lincoln country school.  Ellsworth served his country with the U.S. Army, stationed in Washington State.  He married Mary A. Jones on November 6, 1948, at Jerusalem Presbyterian Church, rural Lake Crystal.  Ellsworth was a farmer his whole life and also sold Smith Douglas Fertilizer.  He had been a member of the Judson School Board and Jerusalem Cemetery Board.  He was a member of the Lake Crystal American Legion.  He enjoyed bowling, playing bingo, cards, traveling for games of chance, dancing, and meeting friends for breakfast and coffee. He loved people and visiting with them.  He was honored to take part in the Honor Flight to the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C., accompanied by a lifelong friend, Dean Roberts.

Ellsworth is survived by his two daughters, Eileen (Brad) Anderson of Harlingen, TX and Sherlyn Johnson of Mesa, AZ; son-in-law, Mark Karels of Lake Crystal; six grandchildren, Heidi Karels, Emilee Anderson, Ashley Karels, Krista (Derek Kumm) Anderson, Ethan (Elissa) Karels, Junice (Nathan Skwor) Norman; six great-grandchildren, Rylan, Landon, Nicholas, Brailey, Evelyn, and Hudson; brother, Bob (Jackie) Kelly; sisters-in-law, MaryAnn Kelly and Vicki Kelly; many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Ellsworth was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary on June 20, 2003; daughter, Marcia Karels; brothers, Arlo Kelly and Richard Kelly; sisters, Junice (Merle) Baker and Kathryn (Warren) Thorson; and many special friends.