Kelly Paul Allen

Kelly Paul Allen, 65, Pingree, died May 18 at his home. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am at Eddy's Funeral Home in Jamestown with Pastor Bryce Tahran officiating.

Kelly was born to Bernie and Ruth (Walicski) Allen on Oct. 29, 1949 at Jamestown Hospital. He grew up on the family farm and graduated from Pingree High School in 1967. He attended Ellendale Community College at Ellendale, N. Dak. In 1970, he enlisted in the US Army and attended Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He served two tours of duty in Viet Nam, serving with the 69th Engineering Battalion in the Mekong Delta. Upon returning from overseas, he served at Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Kelly was honorably discharged from military service June 19, 1974.

Upon discharge from service, Kelly began farming in the Pingree area. He married and became father of two daughters, Tracy and Kai Lyn.

On Sept. 22, 1990, Kelly married Karla Grills, in Omaha, Neb. and became a faithful stepfather to son Michael. They farmed in the Pingree area until 1999 and then moved to Bakersfield, Calif., where Kelly was employed by South Kern Machinery (John Deere). Kelly and Karla moved back to Pingree in 2007. Kelly retired from John Deere Company at Valley City last October.

Kelly was an honest, kind and jovial man who loved his family and friends, and had a special bond with his sister, Peggy Krein, Bismarck. He recently attended the 45th reunion of the 69th Engineering Battalion, where he rekindled friendships with the men with whom he served in Viet Nam. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, history, music and was an avid fan of Rush Limbaugh. He loved his Border Collies, John Deere equipment and reading Tom Clancy and other historic novels.

He was a member of the Pingree Volunteer Fire Department and was an active supporter of the Edmunds-Pingree Memorial Hall and Café. He was a generous man who offered help to his community and friends in countless ways and will be missed immensely.

Kelly is survived by his wife, Karla Allen, Pingree; mother, Ruth Allen, Bismarck; sister, Peggy (Eldon) Krein, Bismarck; son Michael (Charley) Allen, Bakersfield, Calif.; daughters Tracy Booker, Phoenix, Ariz; Kai Lyn Allen, Moorhead, Minn.; and six grandchildren.

Kelly was preceded in death by his father, Bernie Allen.

Memorials may be sent to Border Collie Rescue (bcrescue.org).

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