Thief River Falls – Harold “Pat” Kelly, 92, of Thief River Falls, died on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the Oakland Park Communities, Thief River Falls.On April 25, 1929 Harold was born to Edward and Marie (Winson) Kelly at Thief River Falls. He attended St. Bernard’s Catholic School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1947, Thief River Falls.
Harold enlisted into the United States Navy on September 7, 1950. He served on the USS Leyte then the USS Pittsburg until July 6, 1954, when he was honorably discharged. While in the Service, Harold trained at the U.S. Naval School of Music in Washington, DC.
On April 29, 1953 Harold married Arlene Fossum in Thief River Falls. To this union were born a son, Paul; and a daughter, Karin. In Fargo, ND, he co-hosted the TV show Dialing for Dollars and worked at several Radio Stations across the U.S., including KUMU Radio in Hawaii. He was a member of the Smith Brothers Band for many years, playing Jazz music on the piano and organ throughout the upper Midwest.
During his retirement, he enjoyed flying, playing the organ and piano, and collecting stamps and coins. He enjoyed music and movies and, for many years operated a ham radio using the call letters NOSAA. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion and V.F.W. for over 60 years.
Harold is survived by a son, Paul Kelly, Lincoln, NE; and a daughter, Karin (Gerald) Hanson, Thief River Falls; 4 grandchildren, Chad (Kari) Hanson, Jason (Erica) Hanson, Heather (Brian) Jung, Kelly (Jake) Haraldson; 8 great-grandchildren, Lia Hanson, Harper Jung, Gabby Hanson, Gracie Hanson, Eva Hanson, Corbin Jung, Izzy Hanson, and Blake Jung.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marie Kelly; and brother, Earl Kelly.
On Friday, January 14, 2022 a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. at the Johnson Funeral Chapel, Thief River Falls. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Burial will be at a later date.
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