1943 – 2026
Deceased’s Full Name: Thomas John Kelly
Date of Birth: 10/23/1943
Location of Passing: Chanhassen, MN
Date of Passing: 2/21/2026
Biographical Information:
Thomas “Tom” Kelly, age 82, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026.
Tom was born in Braham, Minnesota, and shortly after moved to Faribault, Minnesota, where he was raised. He was the oldest of nine children born to Clarence and Ester Kelly.
At age 18, Tom joined the U.S. Army and served as a firefighter during his time in Nancy, France. In 1971, he married Marjorie (Marge) Velishek. Together they shared 45 years of marriage, raising their daughters Jennifer and Keisa, in their home in Chanhassen, Minnesota. Tom worked as a machinist at Minnesota Rubber and served for 20 years on the Chanhassen Volunteer Fire Department, where he achieved Chief and proudly drove the ladder truck and loved telling his firefighter stories.
Tom had a passion for photography and was rarely without a camera, documenting family memories, wildlife, and their extensive travels. After retiring at age 55, Tom and Marjorie moved to Arkansas, where they lived for nearly 25 years and built many lasting friendships. Marjorie passed away in 2017 after a battle with cancer.
Later, Tom found companionship with Sharon Dugstad and shared nearly nine years of laughter, love, and adventures, dividing their time between Chanhassen and Arkansas. They eventually settled in Minnesota to be closer to family as Tom battled cancer.
Surviving Family Members:
He is survived by his wife Sharon Dugstad and his children: Jennifer (Scott) Shoemaker; Keisa (Mike)Truax; Michelle (Mike) Scott; Cheryl (Jay) Merritt; and Scott (Jinnie) DeMars. He is also survived by his grandchildren: TJ (Brianna) Merritt, Stephanie Merritt, Megan O’Byrne, Tristin (Celeste) O’Byrne, Chris (Chelsea) Shoemaker, Nic (Cheyenne) Shoemaker, Finn Shoemaker and Lucas Truax; great-grandchildren; and Sharon’s children Shanda Shannon and Cully Przymus and grandchildren.
Preceded in Death By:
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Velishek Kelly; his parents, Clarence and Ester Kelly; his sister, Barb Kelly; and many brothers- and sisters-in-law.
