Carol Kellen

Carol J. Kellen, age 79, of Clinton, MN, passed away on May 6, 2020, at Essentia Health - Holy Trinity Hospital in Graceville, MN.

A private graveside service will be held for Carol with a Celebration of Life to be held in July 2020.

Carol Jean (Westlund) Kellen was born on December 22, 1940, the eldest child of Milton and Hazel Jeanette Westlund in Siloah Township, Traverse County, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Siloah Lutheran Church. She attended Wheaton High School graduating in 1958. She graduated from North Dakota State School of Science for nursing. On September 24, 1960, Carol Jean was united in marriage with Gerald Kellen at Ava Maria Catholic Church in Wheaton, MN. To this union, seven sons and two precious daughters were born.

They started their married life on a farm north of Johnson, later moved to a farm east of Clinton in “God’s Country”, then settled on their current farm place outside of Clinton. She most recently resided at the Clinton Care Center. She ended her battle at Essentia Health - Holy Trinity Hospital in Graceville on May 6, 2020.

Carol Jean worked nights as a nurse and came home to care for her children during the day. She also worked alongside Gerald with field work, milking cows, and whatever else needed to be done on the farm. She dedicated her life to her family and work as a nurse helping others. She worked at Holy Trinity Hospital for 25 years as well as the Clinton Good Samaritan Center, Northridge, and Skyview.

She enjoyed cooking and baking. She made the best fried chicken and caramel rolls. No one went hungry when you went to her house. She loved all children, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol Jean always had babies on her lap and cared for many neighbor kids too. She liked to sew blankets, crocheting, and shopping for “deals” at rummage sales and clearance racks. She was “real” and told you what she thought but was also very thoughtful and sent cards to people for any occasion.

She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and active with CCW. She was also involved with Malta Homemaker Group, Big Stone Cancer Support Group, Tractor Club, American Legion Auxiliary, and Lunch Buddies.

Carol Jean is survived by her sons: Gregory (Kathy) Kellen of Clinton, MN; Phillip (Cindy) Kellen of Milbank, SD; George (Katherine) Kellen of Fairbanks, AK; Leon Kellen of Clinton, MN; Dennis (Natalie) Kellen of Brambleton, VA; and Iver Dale (Trish) Kellen of Clinton, MN; daughters: Susie Kellen of Clinton, MN; and Sally (James) Koltes of Melrose, MN; daughter-in-law, Leah Kellen of Ortonville, MN; 29 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sisters: Bonnie Reinardy; Alyce (Dave) Fust; Diane (Buck) Beuch; Evie (Dennis) Pforr; and Frances (Greg) Anderson; brother, Milton Westlund Jr.; brothers-in-law: Paul (Mary Ann) Kellen; and Donald (Janet) Kellen; and sisters-in-law: Arlene Bigalke; Deloris Thompson; and Beverly Sykora.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; son, Frank; parents: Milton and Hazel; grandchildren: Adam and Ashley; and great-grandchildren: Venelope and Lucas.

Memorials are preferred to the Big Stone Cancer Support Group, a charity of your choice, or plant a tree in her honor.