A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert James Kellen, age 77, of Lakefield, MN was held on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lakefield. Bob died Thursday October 10, 2019 at his home. He was born January 27, 1942 in Adrian, MN to Leander and Frona (Serie) Kellen. He grew up on the family farm near Ellsworth, MN. Bob married Arlene Hamman on December 30, 1963 in Adrian, MN. He and Arlene farmed for years outside of Little Rock, IA where their three children were born. The family moved to Lakefield in January 1971 where Bob worked for Amoco Oil until he bought the fertilizer plant in 1983. He owned and managed Cropmate Fertilizer until he retired in 2004. Shortly after retirement, Bob built and operated Top Dog Car and Pet Wash in Lakefield, MN.
Bob was a hard-worker, an avid golfer and spent his days grilling, gardening, and going on daily walks. He was fond of John Deere tractors. He also enjoyed spending winters with friends and family in Naples, FL. Bob was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He is survived by his wife, Arlene, and their three children, Tom (Madonna Thiner) Kellen, Lakefield, MN; Brenda (Del) Thiner, George, IA; and Lisa (Scott) Anderson, Colorado Springs, CO; six grandchildren: Megan (Dan) McMonagle, Jason Thiner, Todd Thiner, Justin Kellen, Paige Anderson, and Zack Anderson; two great grandchildren: Desmond and Adeline McMonagle; brother: David Kellen, Worthington, MN; two sisters: Alice (John) Schulte, North Fort Myers, FL, and Judy (Dan) Grunwald, Ventura, IA; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Patricia Kellen and Edna Sweeney.
Osterberg Funeral Home, Jackson/Lakefield was in charge of arrangements.
