Kelly Auch

Kelvin (Kelly) Wayne Auch passed away January 25th, 2026, at SMP Health - Maryhill in Enderlin, North Dakota. Born on April 9th, 1958, Kelly's human spirit carried him to the age of 67 even though his failing body left him dealing with a debilitating physical condition for a great portion of his life.

Born in Minot, North Dakota, to Rudolph and Phyllis Auch, Kelly spent his early life moving as a part of an Air Force family to many locations to include Tacoma, WA; Stuttgart, Germany and then settling into Fergus Falls, Minnesota, after his father retired.

Kelly graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1976 and spent the first phase of his adult life there. His jobs included working at Metz Bakery, Mother's Records store, Westridge Mall maintenance and the Sandpiper Restaurant and Bar where he was a cook and also ran their trivia events.

He relocated to Buffalo, North Dakota, where he worked as the night clerk at the Tower City Truck Stop and eventually concluded his working time as a cook at the Hunter Cafe. When Kelly's body convinced him, he was no longer able to work, he stayed in his small apartment in Buffalo and started that next phase of his life in which it was clear that extended family jumped to the top of his priorities.

Kelly lived out his final stage of life as a resident in Maryhill nursing home in Enderlin, North Dakota. He considered himself a resident versus a patient because he always wanted to do everything himself. Not because he was difficult, but because he did not want to bother anyone with caring for him. Maryhill was more than just a place to live for him, as it truly was a home in which he was surrounded by a large family that genuinely loved him. When he transitioned back "home" from the hospital to start his hospice journey, it was simply amazing to see the staff all coming to welcome him back as he was wheeled through the hall enroute to his room. His personality almost gave him a "rock star" standing at Maryhill.

When his dad passed away, Kelly quietly ascended to the patriarch role in the family. From constantly encouraging as many family gatherings as possible, to daily calls to his mom to make sure she was always doing well, he rose to the status of favorite uncle/grand uncle throughout the family. Every person in the family knew they would be awakened on their birthday by a text message from Kelly. His caring nature always had him worried about nieces and nephews whether it be safe travels on vacations or successful harvests. His nine grand nieces and nephews always drew even more attention and the "Nifty Nine" as he referred to them also received half-birthday texts. Kelly's room at Maryhill was covered with family photos that not only gave him joy in viewing, but served as a springboard for him to share family stories with anyone that would enter his room. If in his mind any of the family photographs were outdated, he was sure to tell you he needed a new one.

Beyond family, Kelly's lifetime interests included the Minnesota Twins, the Little League World Series, and any Minnesota or North Dakota high school sports tournament that was on TV. His love of sports started in his early teen years when he played Little League Baseball and continued into his adult years when he played for and coached The Corner Bar softball team. Music was a lifetime passion and in his prime his vinyl collection would outmatch anyone's. His love of the extended family's pets was also beyond reproach, mind you he was not above bribery as he made Kokkie (his parents' dog) become overly excited knowing the term "Burger King Fries" meant Kelly would be arriving soon with the expected treat. In his final years when very limited by his condition, Kelly became an impeccable artist mastering colored pencils and adult coloring books.

Kelly is survived by his mother, Phyllis Auch; sons Jesse Auch and son Tristin, Jason Auch and daughter Audrey; sisters Sherry (Don) Peterson and Tammy (Keith) Johnson; brother Kory (Kristin) Auch; nephews Josh (Jessica) Peterson, Dustin (Lindsey) Peterson, Adam (Bre) Johnson, Aaron (Cameron) Johnson, Carter Auch, Dixon Auch; nieces Amber (Justin) Kudrna, Madison (Michael) Jorgenson; grand nieces and nephews "The Nifty Nine": Harper, Chase, Connor, Weston, Nolan, Ezra, Emmett, Jeremiah and Evelyn.

Kelly is preceded in death by his father, Rudolph Auch.

There will be a family memorial service at a future date. Online guestbook signing can be done here.