Walter Kelsey

Walter F. “Wally” Kelsey, age 88, of Faribault, MN passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at his home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault with Fr. Cory Rohlfing, Pastor officiating.  Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery, Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory on Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday for one hour prior to services.

Walter Francis, son of Allen and Sarah (Barnett) Kelsey, was born on December 18, 1931 in Faribault, MN. As a young boy Wally lived at the Catholic Boys Home in Minneapolis.  Wally attended Bethlehem Academy, Faribault High School and Medford High School over the years.  Later he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged on Nov. 6, 1954.  On May 9, 1959 he was united in marriage to Viola Vyskocil at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery, MN.  Wally worked for over 28 years at the Whirlpool Corporation and later for over 8 years at the University of Minnesota in Maintenance Management.  During this time Wally also farmed in Richland Township.  He enjoyed his gardening of vegetables and flowers, especially his roses.  He enjoyed having big gatherings of family and friends.  He also enjoyed singing with the Barber Shop Quartet, fishing, dancing and watching sports on tv, especially college sports and the Golden Gophers.  His family along with his faith were the most important things in his life and for the past few months he made sure he told everyone that he loved them.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Viola; children, Mark (Jenny) Kelsey of Mahtomedi, MN, Steve (Kelly) Kelsey of White Bear Lake, MN, Walter Kelsey Jr. of St. Paul, MN, Loretta (David) Hamm of Warba, MN, Julia (Donald) Athey of South St. Paul, MN, Patrick Kelsey of Coon Rapids, MN, Joann Kelsey of St. Paul, MN, and Ronald Kelsey of Shakopee, MN; 15 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and many other nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ray, Roy, Allen Jr., Clarence, Bob, Vern, and George Kelsey; and sisters, Gertrude Brandt, Leatrice Pike, and Agatha Kelsey.