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Kellard Dunks Obituary

Dunks, Kellard (Kelly) Joseph Age 32 formerly of Butte, Montana most recently of St. Paul, Minnesota, suddenly departed this life on October 3, 2007. Kelly received a Bachelor's degree from Hamline University in St. Paul and a Master's degree from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Kelly was recently pursuing his Master's degree in Fine Arts from Hamline, where he was employed as a Senior Financial Aid Counselor. Kelly's family and friends remember him as a complex assimilation of musical talent, intelligent humor, and traditional values, and fostered many great friendships. He was a wonderful, graceful, solacing presence who loved the outdoors. His family wants his friends to know how much they appreciate the love and support given to Kelly over the years. Kelly, we love you with all our hearts. You were such a bright shining star in our lives, and you will continue to shine upon us in your death. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 11, 11:15 AM on the HAMLINE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS, in the Klas Center, Kay Fredericks Room,1537 Taylor Avenue, St.Paul, with Reverend Janet Wheelock of Hamline and Pastor Dan Johnson of Knox Presbyterian Church officiating. Memorials to Hamline University, Attn: Development Office, 1536 Hewitt Ave, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55104, in support of university music students. 651-645-1233


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Published by Pioneer Press on Oct. 7, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Kellard Dunks

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Cheryl Getz

August 4, 2008

To the Dunks Family:
I heard just today from a colleague who read the Harvard Review, about the untimely passing of Kelly. I was shocked and deeply saddened by this news. I had the pleasure of hiring Kelly and then working closely with him when he was the Assistant Dean at the University of San Diego. I enjoyed getting to know him and I really appreciated his kind and gentle spirit. He was a good colleague to have. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hasani Chavez

May 27, 2008

Hi My name is Hasani Chavez. You don't know me, but I know your sister Kristi. We worked together years ago here in Salt Lake City. I found only because I googled her name and found this obit.
I'm truly sorry for your loss. My 14yr old son, Christopher died from cancer on Nov 15, 2007. If you happen to read this, Kristi, I'm TRULY sorry. It hurts, I know. I'm there right now as I write this. In Oct, my son was in the hospital fighting for his life.
May God be with you.

Michelle Burke

October 12, 2007

Dear Shirley,
My name is Michelle Burke and I lived at 19 Winter Street, right next door to your beloved Kelly. My home is the big white house. I wanted to tell you what a pure joy it was to have Kelly next door to me and what a wonderful young man he was. I was there when he moved in and I watched him plant flowers, schrubs, cut the grass and care for his puppy. Kelly and I had many conversations in the driveway and over the back fence. I brought him cookies when he moved in because he held a special place in my heart; for I too have a 34 year old son who lives alone. I remember once when Kelly was in my house, he saw my piano and I asked him if he played? He was so humble, never did I know he was such an accomplished musician. I do remember that he said "Maybe I'll play for you sometime." Regretfully I didn't get to hear him play. I moved out on September 1st so I was unaware of his death until a few days ago. My heart is heavy for you. I did want you to know that Kelly was an extraordinary young man who I will hold in my heart and never, ever forget. Blessings to you and your family,

Sincerely,

Michelle Burke

Kari Hamner

October 12, 2007

I was so saddened to hear of your loss today. I too remember Kelly as everyone else does - talented, kind, smart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this stressful time. If there is anything I can do, please let me know.

Reggie Wendorf

October 10, 2007

Shirley and Family,
I will remember Kelly for the rest of my life. I will remember our trip after Harvard Graduation that he and I took to Butte. We camped out in Medora, waking the next morning to see wild horses accross the stream. When we got to Butte, we ate at the truck stop, something about a Bee, went to fairmont hot springs, had lunch with grandma at the pizza place, and charlie made the best steak I have ever had in my life. It was so wonderful to see where he grew up and to meet everyone that he had told me so many stories about. I will miss Kelly, but this isn't his end, he will continue to live in our hearts. I wish everyone peace and the ability to remember all the beauty that Kelly showed us in our lives.

Franki Weitzel

October 10, 2007

Dear Shirley and family: Words cannot express our sorrow for your loss. Please always remember that our memories of Kelly are as special as he was. I remember him at Aunt Connie's table having a snack, I remember singing a christman carol on the fire engine while we drove around Rocker and sang carols. So many good memories-what a fine young man and a tribute to his loving family. Someone once told me when you see a break in the clouds and sunshine shines down to the earth, that is where the angels follow the path to Heaven. We believe he is already there. Love the Weitzels

Dennis Nduli

October 10, 2007

Kelly
May your smile and shine brightned to all your loved ones. All the memmories you've left left behind us will always be cherrish in our hearts espcially your "SMILE". May you always live your smile amongst the love ones. I will always remember you "Smile"
We love you man!
Dennis (Mipnneapolis, Mn)

Susan LaRue

October 10, 2007

Shirley and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Kelly. I always remember thinking how proud you must be of him when he would play the piano at the Ramsay Chritmas plays and then afterwards when he went off to college and pursued his talents. He was just an all around great kid. You and your family are in our prayers. Love, Susan LaRue(Knott) and family

Kelly, Jen & Mike Adventures w/ Bessy

Mike Juvrud

October 9, 2007

Kelly,

You were such a great friend. It is hard to acknowledge that we didn't keep in touch after Hamline, and we allowed ourselves to go our separate ways. It is harder still to comprehend the loss of you. It just doesn't seem real or possible that you could be gone.

There was a time in our lives when you, Jen and I were inseparable. Together we had some of the greatest adventures (and misadventures) of our lives. Whenever I have looked at the tattoo that all of us got together, I have been reminded of our friendship. I am thankful that the symbol of that friendship is a peace sign, and through it each of us carries a piece of the other.

Ever since those youthful college days, I have had a framed picture of the three of us that was taken on one of our crazy road trips. It is a photo of you, Jen and me, standing in front of our own little peace mobile, Bessy. Each of us has a beaming smile and is wearing a kitschy, toy headdress. The words "Happy Campers" are boldly proclaimed on the side of the car. The photo is the very definition of the life, adventure and friendship the three of us shared. Previously when I looked at that photo I merely smiled and remembered fondly. Now, not only do I smile, but I feel that friendship and know what it is to live and love life. I know we lived that time in our lives to the fullest, and it is terrible to know that our adventures have come to an end.

I will never forget the long road trips, the spontaneous adventures, porch parties, your smile, your laugh, your wit, your complexity, your charm...I will simply never forget you. You were one of a kind. The world is a lesser place without you, but we are better for having had you as a friend.

I am grateful to have been a part of your life and honored that you will always be a part of mine. You will be so dearly missed.

Good bye, my friend.
Mike Juvrud

Angela Fransen

October 9, 2007

I am very sorry for the loss of Kelly. We were in A Capella Choir together at Hamline University (although I graduated in '98). He was very talented and seemed to enjoy life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May Jesus Christ's presence be with you and comfort you during this difficult time.

Ann & Tom Brooke

October 9, 2007

Dear Shirley and Family,
Tom and I are so sorry to hear of Kelly's untimely death. Although we never met him, we know how talented and caring a person he was. May beautiful memories help to comfort you until you are together again.

John Meeks

October 9, 2007

Wing and I are so deeply saddened and so sorry for your loss. We hold dear the piano lessons, our visits with Kelly in San Diego and, of course, at Hamline. Kelly was a major part of Cassidy's decision to attend Hamline. Our sincerest prayers are with you.

SANDY RICHTER

October 8, 2007

Shirley and all of the family,my deepest sympathy to all of you.Just remember all the good memories of Kelly.It was always a pleasure to here Kelly play. We want you to know you have many Rocker friends if ever you need anything. God Bless. Sandy and Sonny Richter

Dana Anderson (Archer)

October 8, 2007

Dear Shirley, Jimmy and Kristi,

I am so sorry for your loss. Kelly was truly "one of a kind", but I'm sure you know that. I remember the magical way Kelly performed at the Ramsay School plays. I hope your memories of Kelly bring you comfort. You're in my thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.

Scott & Lisa Olsen

October 8, 2007

Shirley & Family,

We are very sorry for your loss of Kelly. Please know that you are in our Thoughts and Prayers. Our Hearts go out to the entire family.

Kelly Solari

October 8, 2007

Shirley, Kristi, Jimmy and Family,

Kelly was an amazing person that was very talented and spread warmth to everyone around him the minute he stepped up to a piano. I have many fond memories of him from Ramsay and 4-H. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Kelly Solari (Clark)

Susan Neppl

October 8, 2007

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I met Kelly at Hamline. He was a very kind and thoughtful person. He will be missed by many in the Hamline community.

Amy Reed

October 8, 2007

Dear Dunks Family: I am so sorry to hear of Kelly's passing. He was such a talented, kind and intelligent soul. His friendship and the memories we made as children have stayed with me long past the Ramsay school years! God bless you all. Amy (Wold) Reed

Mary Kay & Butch Starin

October 8, 2007

Dear Shirley and family,
Butch and I were so sad to see that your son passed away. Although we never had the privilege of meeting Kelly, we're sure that he was like you: beautiful inside and out. May God comfort you with the memories of all the things you said to and did for each other; the peace that he is in a better place; and the knowledge that you will be together again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

Mary Kay and Butch Starin

Judy Van Gelder

October 8, 2007

Shirley & Family:
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your beloved son. There aren't any words one can express at a time like this except our hearts go out to you and your family.
Sincerley,
Judy & Hank Van Gelder
Jim Francone
Connie Maier

Carole & Reno Peterson

October 7, 2007

Dear Shirley, Kristi, Jimmy & Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your precious son & brother, Kelly. He was such a special, wonderful person inside and out. We feel blessed to have had him in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this painful, difficult time. Please know that we are always here for you. We love you!!!

Love,
Carole & Reno

Tucker & Marti Johnson

October 7, 2007

Shirley and family, Please know that we are thinking of you. Kelly will be geatly missed. Our prayers and love are with you. Tucker, Marti & family

George Groesbeck

October 7, 2007

Dear Shirley, Christie, Jimmy, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Kelly's passing. We will always remember him as an outstanding musician, and a kind, special person. Our prayers are with you all.
George and Joanne Groesbeck

Gayle Clark-McLean

October 7, 2007

From all of the Clark, Bertrand, and Tamietti families, we want you to know you are in our hearts and prayers. Nothing can take away the pain, but keeping the love you share and the memories that will last forever in all of your hearts. We will be thinking of you!

Mark&Elsie Baszler

October 7, 2007

We are truly sorry for youre loss. Kelly was a wonderful nephew. Shirley,we love you and wish we could be there with you. Our prayers are with you.

Sheldon Burt

October 6, 2007

Dear Shirley, Kristi, Jimmy and Jim, and all of Kellys' loving family;
I want you all to know how badly I feel about this terribly painful time in your lives. On behalf of my entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolence. May your beautiful
memories of Kelly, and the spirit of his loving kindness bring you some peace now and forever. Love will always transcend time and space!
Love, Sheldon

Jolene Hunsaker

October 6, 2007

Shirley and Family,
Sincere sympathy to each of you. May the memories of all those good times sustain you as you adjust to this great loss in your life.
God bless you with peace and hope.
Jolene Hunsaker

michelle haumberger

October 6, 2007

my husband and i are truly sorry for your loss. kelly was a wonderful person and will be missed. my husband and i attended ramsay with kelly. we will always remember him for the talent he was on the piano and the genuinely nice person that he was. our deepest sympathy goes to you and your family at this time.
karl and michelle(mccullar)haumberger

Shayne and Lori Drivdahl

October 6, 2007

Kelly will be greatly missed. Words cannot begin to express how sorry we are for your loss.
Shayne, Lori, Kristian, and Annika Drivdahl

Allen & Bobbie Chatriand

October 6, 2007

Shirley and Family~
We are deeply saddened to hear about Kelly. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Shirley, we love you very much and wish we could be with you during this difficult time.
Love,
Allen, Bobbie & Jackson

Dawn Gordon-Wilcox

October 6, 2007

To Kelly's family - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. There are no words to take away your pain, but I hope you are surrounded by kindness as you grieve.

terry chrissy &heather&julie martin&willoughby

October 6, 2007

we will miss kelly with all are heart

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