Christopher Kelly

Christopher "Chris" Kelly, 49, of Stillwater, passed away unexpectedly on September 12, 2023. He was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Son.

He was preceded in death by mother-in-law, Rita and brother-in-law, Tony.
He is survived by his best friend and wife of 29 years, Ginny; kids, Jack & Rain; granddaughter, Luna; parents, Dick & Terry; siblings, Megan, Courtney, Matt, Meagan, and Ryan; father-in law, Jerry; brothers-in-law, Jerry Jr., Joseph, Jason, Mark, Matthew, Jeff and Roy; sisters-in-law, Andrea and Jennifer; many amazing nieces and nephews; a large extended family; and a huge community of friends who were lucky enough to know and love him. Once you were his friend, Chris considered you family for life.
Chris spent his career as a pipefitter, working alongside his brothers and sisters of the Steamfitters Pipefitters Local 455 Union. Whether it be at work or home, Chris was always seen with the biggest, most beautiful smile, and anyone you ask would say he was the embodiment of love & selflessness. He would always find a way to give back to those around him, and was known for his wicked, hilarious sense of humor. Chris spread joy wherever he went. 
However, in terms of care, there's no one Chris cared more about than animals. His pack consisted of four dogs, Bear, Bella, Wolfie and Dude; and cats Mama and Wes. Chris was a familiar face at the Dale Street Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, bringing in multiple injured critters. He would follow their progress to recovery. An animal lover to the very end, some would say he loved them more than people, and Chris loved people!    
Chris had an artist's brain, and he used the skill & drive it gave him to create numerous sculptures, including a version of the Eiffel Tower, created from pipes, which he kept in Ginny’s bee garden at home. 

A celebration to honor Christopher's life will be 4-8pm at Urban Growler in St. Paul on Monday, October 2nd, 2023.