Kip McLean, 50, died on Monday, January 4, 2010 at MeritCare Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 7, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Pastor Scott Pattison officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM, Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday.

Kip Gerald McLean was born on September 27, 1959 to Wayne Gerald and Rosella Lorraine (Gunn) McLean in Crystal City, Manitoba, Canada. His father died when Kip was 5 years old, and he grew up in several places all over North Dakota including, Hanna, Devils Lake, and Osnabrock, ND. Kip started working right after 9th grade at the Elks Lodge as a cook in Devils Lake. He then moved to Thief River Falls in 1979. Then he worked at Hartz in Thief River Falls for over 25 years until his health failed.

He was united in marriage to Norma Jean Olson on December 23, 1982 at Faith Lutheran Church in Goodridge, MN. They made their home in Thief River Falls and to this union 2 children were born. Kip was an avid fisherman. Ice fishing and summer fishing with his brothers were his passion. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved summer weather. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He liked to garden and he worshipped the sun.

Kip is survived by his wife Norma, Thief River Falls, MN, 2 children, Ashley (Lee) Seyller, Thief River Falls, Kelly (Travis) Moen, Thief River Falls, MN, 3 grandchildren: Hannah, Wyett, Emma, and a grandbaby on the way, 3 brothers Steve (Linda) McLean, Inver Grove Heights, Donald (Diane) McLean, River Falls, WI, Howard (Jody) McLean, Argyle, MN.

Kip was preceded in death by his father Wayne, mother Lorraine, step father Irwan Johnson, uncle Donnie Gunn.

SPECIAL MUSIC: Greg Dally & Paula Adamson
SELECTIONS: Youll Never Walk Alone
RECORDED MUSIC: Open Arms by Journey