Mark Kelley, 59, died Monday, November 22, 2010 at his home, surrounded by his family in Thief River Falls, MN.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, November 26, 2010 at Community Church International in Thief River Falls, MN with Pastor Ollie Urdahl officiating.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Friday, November 26, 2010 at Community Church International in Thief River Falls, MN.

Mark LeRoy Kelley was born on June 19, 1951 in Thief River Falls, the son of Arnold and Leola (Amundson) Kelley. Mark grew up and lived his entire adult life in Thief River Falls. He was baptized and confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran Church and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1969.

From 1970 until 1973, Mark proudly served in the United States Armed Forces, stationed in Panama. He was honorably discharged in 1973 and returned home to Thief River Falls.

On June 1st, 1973 he began his walk with Jesus and became involved with Miracle House Ministries.

On July 1, 1978 Mark was united in marriage to Tricia Halvorson in Viking, MN. Together they made their home and raised their family in Thief River Falls. Mark and Tricia were blessed with six children: Keturah, Hannah, Sarah, John, Laurah and Jennah. They home schooled their children and were active in the home school community.

Shortly after their marriage, Mark became an apprentice to Rod Johnson as a cabinet maker. Later, he purchased the business and was the owner of Rodson Cabinets for the rest of his life.

Mark was involved in several Christian Ministries over the years, including
Youth Director at Bethany Lutheran Church in Red Lake Falls, served as an elder at Valley Christian Fellowship of Crookston and was a small group leader and official greeter at Epiphany Station in Thief River Falls. He also made two short-term mission trips to Haiti.

Marks passions in life were Jesus, worshiping through song and Word, his wife Tricia and their children and grandchildren.

Mark is survived by his loving wife, Tricia; his children, Keturah (David) Kastendick of Portland, OR, Hannah (Darren) Albertson of Anchorage, AK, Sarah (Isaac) Jacobson of Thief River Falls, MN, John (Lauren) Kelley of Puyallup, WA, Laurah Kelley of Thief River Falls, MN and Jennah Kelley of Thief River Falls, MN; grandchildren, Corbin, Lydia, Petra, Bella, Norah and Tabitha; sisters and brother, Karen (Don) Steahl of Plymouth, MN, Darlene Kelley of Thief River Falls, MN and Hal (Jan) Kelley of Highlands Ranch, CO; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Preceding Mark in death are his parents; brother, Richard Kelley and his grandparents.