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James Keely Obituary

James F. Keely, age 87, of Eagan MN, formerly of Colorado Springs, passed away Saturday evening the 24th of February, after living a long and full life of loving and being loved. Born in Elkhart County, Indiana, on January 5th, 1920, he attended Hamline University in St. Paul, MN, graduating in 1943, and then enlisted in the US Navy, spending 2 years in the Pacific during WWII. Returning home, Jim was employed by 3M Company for the next 36 years, retiring in 1981 as Director of Employee Benefits and Services. In 1943, Jim married the love of his life, Audrey, and they spent the next 64 years together (the first two years by letters, courtesy of WWII). In 1982 after raising 3 children, Jim and Audrey moved to Colorado Springs where they lived for 23 wonderful years in the shadow of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains. Two years ago, Jim and Audrey moved back to the Twin Cities to be with their family. Jim is preceded in death by his dear son, Mark. He is survived by his devoted wife, Audrey; daughter, Pamela; son, Scott; and daughter-in-law, Sally Blecha. Also very important to Jim are niece & her husband, Sue & Joe Silva; their son & his wife, Steven & Carron Silva; their children, Mario and Ashlene and many fine friends. Memorial Service 2:30 PM FRIDAY, March 2nd, at J.S. KLECATSKY & SONS, 1580 Century Point, Eagan MN. Gathering of family & friends 1 to 2:30 PM before the service. Private interment in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the family in support of the Mark J. Keely Scholarship Fund of Fort Street Presbyterian Church, Detroit. This was a good man, and he will be greatly missed. J.S. KLECATSKY & SONS 651-454-9488

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Feb. 27, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries

Jim & Diana Lind

March 5, 2007

Dear Audry & family,
We just heard last night of Jim's passing. We hope that you and your loved ones are comforted by the fact that he was loved and had a good life with his family. We all here in Colorado Springs share your sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jim & Diana Lind (former neighbors)

Dorothy & Bob Baeker

February 28, 2007

Dear Audrey, our deepest sympathy to you and the children. We will always think of Jim fondly. So much remembered and enjoyed are your visits here, and our visits to Colorado - and that great trip to Yellowstone. Agreed - he was a good man. Love Dorothy & Bob

Bob Backlund

February 28, 2007

To the family of Jim Keely:
I was saddened to learn of Jim's passing. It was a real privilege to have had the opportunity to know and work with Jim. He was a quiet leader and with his soft spoken voice and a big smile he was respected by everyone. Jim was a mentor to many of us young people in the human resource organiztion. Many times I would sit in Jim's office to discuss a problem and he would ask a series of questions..... and before I knew it the answer or direction to take was clear without him telling me what to do..... teaching in a manner that would help us solve the next problem on our own. Jim was one of the 3M'ers who made the company a success and a fine place to work.

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