Calvin “Kelly” Aakre

Calvin “Kelly” Aakre, 68, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at his home in Milbank. 

A celebration of life was held on November 16, 2024, at Solem Lutheran Church near Hawley, MN. Pastor Micah Johnson officiated. 

Calvin “Kelly” Glen Aakre was born on June 30, 1956, in Moorhead, MN, to Herbert and Clarice (Thorson) Aakre. He grew up on the family farm and attended Hawley Elementary and High School.

After graduating, Kelly pursued his education at Detroit Lakes Technical School, earning a degree in agricultural technology. Following his studies, he worked in various roles related to his agricultural background, including positions with Northern Co-op Services, Rol Implement, and Cenex of Hawley from 1975 to 1985. During this period, he also farmed alongside his brothers.

In 1988, Kelly married Marjorie Matthees, and together they were blessed with a son, Cameron. Kelly later transitioned to a career in appliance sales, starting at Rigels Home Appliance in Moorhead. Over the years, he also worked with several auto dealerships in the Fargo-Moorhead area. An active community member, Kelly served as a past president and member of the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County, as well as a member of the Fargo-Moorhead Chamber of Commerce and the Moorhead Baseball Association.

On August 31, 2011, Kelly married Tamara “Tammy” (Johnson) Quam, and the couple settled in Milbank, SD. Kelly had a lifelong passion for coaching youth hockey, baseball, and football. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle, a favorite pastime throughout his adult life, and cherished spending time with his family.

Kelly is survived by his wife, Tammy Aakre of Milbank, SD; his children: Cameron (Amber) Aakre of Glyndon, MN; Elliott (Andrea) Quam of Brookings,SD; Courtney (Patrick) Leary of Sioux Falls,SD; Ethan (Ellen Russo) Quam of Fargo, ND; and Casey Quam of Milbank , SD; his grandchildren: Laiken and Porter Aakre; Olivia, Levi, and Avery Quam; Dylan Anderson; Carter Frank; Benjamin and Michael Quam; and Colby Langner; and his mother, Clarice Aakre of Ulen, MN. He is also survived by his brothers: Michael (Verlyn) Aakre of Dilworth, MN; and Wayne (Mary) Aakre of Hawley, MN; his niece, Stephanie (Ron) Mullenbach of Timnath, CO; nephews: Arek Aakre of Fosston, MN; Mark (Lauren) Aakre of Fargo, ND; Ryan Aakre of Beach, ND; great-nephews: Sam and Jack Mullenbach of Timnath, CO; and great -niece, Sydney Mullenbach of Timnath, CO. 

 He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Aakre.