Neil D. Kelley

Neil D. Kelley, age 73, of 221 Melsted Place, Mountain, ND died on Thursday, April 19, 2007, at home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at the Vikur Lutheran Church, Mountain, ND. Visitation will be held Monday, April 23rd from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Jensen-Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND. Visitation at the church for one hour before the time of services. Burial at the Woodlawn Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.
Neil Dwight Kelley was born in Sioux Falls, SD on June 5, 1933, to Charles and Helen (Newell) Kelley. He grew up in Sioux Falls. At that time Neil and his family lived across the street from Beadle School and played in the Henry Carlson Construction Company's storage yard, later becoming their estimator and project manager for 30 years. After graduating from Washington Senior High School in 1950, Neil worked with his dad and brothers excavation company, "Kelley Brothers".
In 1952, he joined the US Air Force, serving two years in the USA and two years in Japan. Also serving during the Korean Conflict, as Airman 1st Class. He was honorably discharged in 1956, receiving the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
Neil and Mary were married in 1952, and raised two children, Teryl and Charlene. He attended South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD for three years. Taking one year off to help his father before returning to school.
Neil became very involved in the commercial construction business in management and as project estimator, (just a pencil pusher, he would say). Eventually owning his own business, and traveling throughout the US, working on multi million dollar projects.
In 1987, Neil and Lonnette were married living in the Sioux Falls area, until April 5, 1989, when ill health forced a new direction in Neil's life. For the past 10 years Neil and Lonnette have lived in Mountain operating "221 Melsted Place Bed and Breakfast". Having been honored to have hosted the President of Iceland and his entourage for three days in 1999.
He has touched many lives throughout the years (alias jack of all trades). Neil has enjoyed driving his Military Willey's Jeep to all surrounding parades as the Official Military flag bearer. Also pumpkin carriage driver, bringing smiles to many riders, young and old alike. His quiet place the wood working shop, and the sparkle in his eyes with each treasured piece of work he would proudly display.
Neil was a kind and gentle man respected and loved by everyone. In 2002, little Macey moved into his life, he became Mr. Mom. For the last five years he quietly, patiently instructed and loved her the "mostest" He will be very missed!
He is survived by his wife Lonnette; son, Teryl (Lynette) Kelley, Sioux Falls, SD; daughter, Charlene (Bruce) Johnson, Spring Hill, FL; stepson, Michael Streich, Omaha, NE; step daughter, Michele Streich, Pisek, ND; grandchildren, Daniel (Jody) Kelley, Harrisburg, SD; Alyssa (John) Metzger, Sioux Falls, SD; Marissa and Breanna Johnson, Spring Hill, FL; Savannah Streich, Washington, IN; Macey Novak, Mountain, ND; Justin and Julia Pic, Pisek, ND; great grandchildren, Ruby and Charlotte Metzger, Sioux Falls, SD; brothers, Richard (Cathy) Kelley, Gold Canyon, AZ; and Myron (Diane) Kelley, Sioux Falls, SD.
Neil was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Donna Strowbridge.
Clergy: Rev. Paul Guldseth.
Military Rites by the Bjornson-Sigfusson Post #227, Mountain American Legion.
Casket Bearers: Gerald Byron, Russell Hannesson, Myron Hentges, Rodney Knutson, Roger Olafson, David Staples, Michael Streich, and Michele Streich.
Honorary Pallbearers: Myron and Richard Kelley.
Music: Suzanne Ashpole, Pianist and Pastor Orville Sunde, Piano Solo.