Diana Marie Kelly

Diana Marie Kelly (Bacon), 77, formerly of International Falls, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at her home in Shakopee, Minnesota surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Diana was the firstborn child of Arnold and Gladys (Napper) Bacon. She grew up helping to care for her younger siblings and she loved them fiercely. After graduating high school in 1966, she attended St. Paul College in St. Paul, Minnesota where she received her Cosmetology Degree. She was united in marriage to LeRoy Kelly on July 13th, 1968, and they had 3 children whom they raised in International Falls. Diana was a devoted wife and mother, and she was fulfilled by caring for others. Once she retired from hairdressing she provided childcare for her nieces, nephews, the neighbor kids and then her own grandchildren. Diana was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School, attended bible study and served in the Ladies Aid. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 2948 where she engaged in charitable work supporting the community. Diana was a lifelong learner who loved to read and was also a talented knitter, crocheter and quilter. Before moving to Shakopee, Minnesota, this past April, Diana lived year-round in Arizona with her husband where they enjoyed the warm weather and beautiful mountain views, made many new friends and continued to grow in their faith at Cactus Christian Church, Phoenix. Besides loving and caring for others, and always putting other's needs before her own, Diana's biggest mission in life was to spread the word about Jesus and His love.

Diana was preceded in death by her parents; brother Steven Bacon; niece Alicia (Schindeldecker) Talcott; and nephew Brandon Bacon.

Diana is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, LeRoy Kelly; children Shawn (Leslie), Lori (Kirk) Hartzler, and Brian (friend Dawn); grandchildren Courtney and Cody Kelly, Kyle and Jessica Hell, Zachary Hartzler, and Abbigayle Bliss-Kelly; great-grandchild Emberly Hell; sisters Arlene (Robert) Schindeldecker, Suzzett (Robert) Promersberger, Debra (Orlan) Dvergsten, and Sharon Sandstrom; brothers Calvin (Elizabeth), Garett (Becky), Brent (Lisa), and Wade (Linda); sister-in-law Mary Bacon; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 27, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church of International Falls with a luncheon to follow at the local Elks Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW Post 2948