George Edgar Kelley

George Edgar Kelley, age 63, from East Grand Forks, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, June 25, 2025, in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

George was born in Aledo, Illinois, the son of Elizabeth “Betty” Jane (Burns) Kelley and Richard “Dick” Harold Kelley on April 17, 1962. He grew up in Monmouth, Illinois.

George attended the University of Indiana and graduated with a degree astrophysics. He was a member of the ROTC. He later attended the University of North Dakota and received a Master of Space Studies Degree with an emphasis on Planetary Science.

He worked for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a Flight Service Air Traffic Controller in Grand Forks, North Dakota starting on July 19, 1989. He was the local representative for the National Association of Air Traffic Specialists (NAATS). He later became the National Occupational Safety Program Manager for the FAA. He retired on July 30, 2022.

George met the love of his life, Paul David Holje, on June 8, 2000. They had a Holy Union ceremony on June 23, 2001 at Christus Rex Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, North Dakota. They were legally married in Decorah, Iowa on June 23, 2011.

George and Paul opened Dakota Harvest Bakers from 2006 until 2016. George was proud to have served the community through philanthropy and sharing his baking gifts.

George was active his community, serving as the president of the council of Family God Church and was central to having the church join Reconciling in Christ to support LGBTQ+ inclusion. He was on the board of the North Valley Arts Council. He was active politically where he fought for marriage equality and union jobs.

His hobbies included astronomy, cooking, travel, photography, pottery, drones, and teaching others about the world. He was a caregiver for others, including his father Dick. He was proud of the many marriages he performed over the years for his dear friends.

George and Paul adopted their daughter Samantha “Sam” Rose Kelley-Holje on October 14, 2015. George enjoyed teaching Sam how to bake and being a chaperone at her field trips and school dances. They became grandfathers to Michael James Kelley-Holje on March 23, 2023. George treasured his time with Michael as he cared for him. He liked to play in the backyard with Michael tossing balls and watching him go down the slides at the park. He took Michael around the neighborhood on his first Halloween to gather candy. Both were thrilled by the experience.

George had many dogs in his life. As a kid, Tippy was his companion during his adventures on the Mississippi River. When he moved to Grand Forks, he adopted Samuel “Sam” Bartholomew. Later George and Paul adopted Chocolate Chip and Chloe. He cared deeply for them all.

George was proceeded in death by his parents, Betty and Dick. He is survived by his husband of 24 years, Paul Holje, his daughter Samantha Kelley-Holje, his grandson Michael Kelley-Holje, his mother-in-law Jane Holje, father-in-law David Holje, sisters-in-law Linda (Brian) Glynn, Debbie Pierson, and Tracy (Mark) Kallenbach, his nieces and nephews, and his many friends and chosen family. This amazing man will truly be missed.

A family led Memorial Service will be held at Family of God Church in East Grand Forks, Minnesota on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 2:00 pm with visitation starting at 1:00 pm. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorials to support the Family of God Church Community Fund, which helps those in need in greater Grand Forks, may be sent to Family of God Church, 327 5th Ave. SE, East Grand Forks, MN 56721-2181.