Donald "Duckers" Michael Kelly

Donald “Duckers” Michael Kelly, of the Turtle Clan, age 70, passed away on June 11, 2026 in Bemidji, MN. He was born on December 17, 1955, and lived a life defined by strength, determination, and deep love for his family and community.

Donald was born on December 17, 1955 to Charles Favian Kelly Sr and Melvina (St. Germaine) Kelly in Minneapolis, MN. Donald proudly served his country after entering the United States Marines in January 1974 and was stationed in San Diego and Hawaii.  During his younger years, Donald was an accomplished boxer, earning recognition as a Golden Gloves champion in 1974. His discipline, competitive spirit, and resilience were qualities that remained with him throughout his life. Donald was a proud member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians and belonged to the Turtle Clan. He carried great pride in his heritage and the values passed down through his family and community.

Although Donald never married, family was always at the center of his life. He leaves behind his children, Devona, Donald, and Gordon, as well as his beloved grandchildren: Danielle, Dominique, Delicia, Keia, Kianuna, Gordon Jr., Leonte, and Teveon. He was also blessed with a great-grandson, Eugene Jr. (EJ). He is also survived by his siblings, Carol Staples, Mary (Will) Nordon, Patty Konkel, Robin Kelly, and Daniel Kelly, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Kelly and Melvina (St. Germaine) Kelly; his brothers, Earl Skye Jr, Douglas Skye, Ronald Kelly, and Charles Kelly Jr; and his sister, Shelda Lussier; and his life partner, Eugena “Girlie” Ryan.

Donald will be remembered for his strength, his love of boxing, his service to his country, and the pride he took in his family. His presence, wisdom, and stories will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.  Though he is no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. May his memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to those who mourn his passing.

Family and Friends will meet at the Reservation Line on Highway 89 at 2 PM to process to the Old Little Rock Center. The wake will begin at 7 PM on Sunday, June 14, 2026 and will continue until the service at 10 AM on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 with Spiritual Leader Ty Stately. Active Pallbearers will be Ron Kelly Jr, Silas Jackson, Earl Skye III, David Skye, Charles Kelly-Staples, Shane Kern, Robert Johnson, Joe Norby. Honorary Pallbearers will be Justin Hanson Jr, Jeff Jourdain, Robin Kelly Sr, Daniel Kelly Sr, Dan (DJ) Kelly, Charles Kelly, Andrew Kelly, Pete Struger, Patrick Graves, Clayton Benaise, Ross Kelly. Burial will be at St Mary’s Cemetery, Red Lake, MN. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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