Donald Lyle Kelln

Don was born and raised near Duval, the sixth of eight children to Jacob and Maria Kelln. He attended school in Duval and began farming with his dad at a young age, a passion that remained for his entire life. Working with his son and grandsons on their organic farming operation brought him so much joy over the past ten years.

On June 13, 1964, Don and Melanie (Deforest) were married in Wilcox and began their life together farming west of Duval. Their two children Sheldon and Shaunna would complete their family.

A dedicated community man, over the years Don served as councillor for the Village of Duval, councillor for the RM 250, and as a member of Last Mountain School Division Board. He ran the snowplough for the grid west of Duval and was a long-term Optimist Club member.

Don was an avid curling fan and competitor whose passion was instilled in both his children. Many winter holidays were taken with friends and family to attend the Silver Broom. He and Melanie also travelled the province each winter to watch Sheldon and Shaunna curl. Years later Don continued supporting his grandsons’ sporting endeavors as well as their many other interests.

Change would come in 2001 as Don and Melanie made the move to Moose Jaw, where for several years, winters were spent managing the Hillcrest Curling Club with Shaunna and summers as a motor grader operator for the RM’s of Last Mountain Valley and Pense. After a devoted marriage of 43 years, Melanie passed away in 2007 after years of illness.

In 2013 Don married Paulette Miller and for the past twelve years, they shared a wonderful companionship filled with dancing, great friends, and extended families. He was a smooth and tireless dancer (there was never enough dancing salt on the floor). During his early retirement years, Don spent many winters in warmer climates including Hawaii, Mexico, and Arizona.

Don was a visionary who was ahead of his time and remained curious about new innovations. He was often found on coffee row having informed discussions on farming technologies, politics, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and organic farming.

Don’s family unit was the most important thing in a life well lived. His love and support were unconditional; he encouraged his family to be happy, to follow their passions, and to be who they are.

Don is predeceased by his wife Melanie, parents Jacob and Maria Kelln, sisters Irma Kuxhaus, Vivian Magnusson, Darlene Eickhoff, sister-in-law Marlene Kelln, brothers-in-law Joe Kelln, Elmer Kuxhaus, Bert Seminuk, Arnold Leippi, and Herb Magnusson.

Don is survived by his son Sheldon Kelln (Shalen), daughter Shaunna Fritzler (Bruce), grandchildren Wyatt Kelln (Kelsie), Rhett Kelln, Karson Fritzler (Sarah), and Kane Fritzler (Kaitlyn), great-granddaughter Lainie Kelln, wife Paulette and her extended family, and siblings Alvina Kelln, Vera Seminuk, Alvin Kelln, and Ina Leippi, brother-in-law Mark Eickhoff as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday March 7th, 2:30 PM at the Duval Community Hall, Duval, Saskatchewan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Donald Kelln Agricultural Scholarship

C/O Affinity Credit Union

208 Mountain St

Strasbourg, SK

S0G 4V0

To be awarded to a Grade 12 Graduate from William Derby School, Strasbourg, who shares Don’s passion for farming innovation and is entering post-secondary studies in agriculture. The Donald Kelln Agricultural Scholarship will be awarded annually until the donation funds are extinguished.