John Joseph Kellen

JOHN JOSEPH KELLEN, of Adrian, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, after a two-year battle with stomach cancer. He was born March 9, 1963, in Adrian, to Clarence and Audrey (Bruns) Kellen. He graduated from Adrian High School and later from Worthington Community College.
John married the love of his life, Darcy Klaassen, on August 15, 1987, at the Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, IA. The couple farmed on the family farm east of Adrian. They moved into Adrian in 2022.
He attended Salem Reformed Church and was a member of St. Adrian Catholic Church in Adrian. John had a deep love for farming, a passion that guided his life and brought him immense fulfillment. He took great pride in working the land and found joy in the simple, honest work that came with each season. This love of farming was something he shared proudly with his sons, Nick and Josh, passing down his knowledge, work ethic, and values through countless hours spent together in the fields. His greatest joy, however, was watching his grandson Dominic grow up. Those moments with his sons and grandson were among his most cherished. His legacy continues through them, rooted deeply in love, tradition, and the soil he so dearly loved. John was not afraid to work, as he held multiple off-farm jobs over the years, including Sailor Plastic, Buss Construction, Al Wolf, and Viessman Trucking. He was the owner and operator of Kellen Barn Washing for 12 years. Until he was unable to continue working, he worked at Champion Homes in Worthington (Highland).
He also enjoyed shooting pool with his pool team, which he had been doing since high school. He cherished spending time with loved ones and found great joy in vacations with friends and family. Some of his most treasured memories included a trip to England, Cancun, and the Dominican Republic, as well as taking convertible trips in their Camaro, where he could enjoy the open road and sunshine. He also enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Lake Shetek with their lake family. One of his most unforgettable experiences was the trip to Jamaica in March 2025 for his son's wedding, which the doctors didn't think would be possible for him -a celebration he talked about often with a smile.
John is survived by his wife, Darcy Kellen, Adrian, MN; two sons, Nick (Maddie) Kellen, Adrian, MN; and Josh (friend, Emily Andersen) Kellen, Reading, MN; grandson, Dominic; three sisters, Barb (friend, Brad) Kellen Pingel, Mankato, MN; Teresa (Charlie) Hauser, Eagle, CO; and Mary (Bruce) Brunk, Rushmore, MN; father-in-law, Robert (friend, Marlys) Klaassen, Little Rock, IA; three sisters-in-law, Dawn (Layton) Arends, Little Rock, IA; Doreen (Curtis) Krahling, Ashton, IA; and Joanne Klaassen, Sibley, IA; and many nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Jane Kellen; mother-in-law, Melvina Klaassen; and a brother-in-law, Travis Klaassen.
A time of fellowship will be from 4-7 pm Wednesday, June 18 at Dingmann Funeral Home in Adrian, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Memorial service will be 11 am Thursday at the Salem Reformed Church in Little Rock, IA, officiated by Pastor Daniel Stanley. A private family burial will take place later.
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