Mark C. Kelley, age 62, was greeted into Heaven on Monday, February 26, 2018. Mark passed away unexpectedly due to cardiac arrest at St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Shakopee, MN.
A Celebration of Life Service honoring Mark’s life will be held on Saturday, March 3 at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 9:30 am, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (4565 Pleasant Street SE) in Prior Lake, MN. The service will be led by Pastor Thomas Gold of River South Bible Church.
It was on August 8, 1955 in El Monte, California, the proud parents James and Leona Kelley, announced the birth of the first child, Mark Clinton. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Minneapolis, MN. Here Mark grew up being the older brother to Mike, Dan, Joe and Molly. As a family, they enjoyed spending time at the family cabin near the Brainerd lakes area. As a young boy, Mark began a lifetime enjoyment of the outdoors, especially fishing. He later graduated from Washburn High School in 1973.
While at the family cabin, Mark was introduced to Rhonda Gartin. They started dating in August of 1983 and Married on May 6, 1984, they declared their love to each other at his grandparent’s home in Minneapolis. From this union, Mark welcomed Rhonda’s son, Shaun into his arms. They also welcomed a son Devon into the family. Together, they enjoyed spending time at the family cabin, where Mark passed on to Shaun and Devon, his love of the outdoors. Special times were spent snowmobiling, camping, boating and playing on the water.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Mark secured an insurance license specializing in Life and Health, Property/Casualty. For over 40 years, he assisted families and individuals with their insurance needs. In 1993, Mark and his father moved “Kelley Agency” to Eden Prairie and shortly after Mark purchased the business from his father.
In Mark’s spare time, he loved playing ‘Golden Tee’ especially on Wednesdays and Saturdays with the guys at Extra Innings. He enjoyed watching the food network channel, reading books and researching the next big recipe. Mark loved to travel and stop at the establishments spotlighted on the TV show ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.’ He and Rhonda loved spending evenings out enjoying cocktails with friends.
Mark enjoyed the simple pleasures in life the most…his family. He devoted his life to being an amazing husband, dad and grandpa. Mark taught his family to be nonjudgmental, patient, loving, caring and to always have a big heart. He was a great role model to learn life’s values, obligations and priorities, in becoming an incredible individual. Mark truly relished being a grandpa to Connor and Taylor. When time allowed, he loved playing card and board games with his grandchildren. Mark always played an active role in their lives.
Forever missed, Mark will be forever loved by wife Rhonda; son, Shaun (Danyelle) Mingus and their children, Connor and Taylor; son, Devon Kelley; siblings, Mike Kelley, Dan Kelley, Joe (Lori) Kelley, Molly Kelley; step-parents, Marian Kelley, Roy Morgan; many relatives and friends
There to welcome Mark home in Heaven is James Kelley and Leona Ann Morgan.
