Pauline Kelly

Pauline (Van Buren) Kelly, age 82, of Hackensack, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2009, at the Golden Living Center in Walker. She was born August 11, 1927, in Winthrup, IA, to Dennis and Mary Henry McNamara. She grew up in Iowa, and then moved to Minnesota when she was eighteen years old. She married John Van Buren and raised four children on the farm. Pauline worked at Ah Gwah Ching in the late 1960's. She married Donald Kelly in December of 1972. She loved going on cruises and traveling with her husband. She was very handy and creative, and enjoyed working with stained glass, pottery, woodworking, and painting. She always enjoyed gardening and preserving food. She could do anything from fixing the lawn mower to wiring the house. She enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren whom she loved very much.

Pauline is survived by her husband, Donald; daughter, Kay Huffman (Austin) of Walker, Nancy LaRue of Fridley; stepdaughter, Shirley Dalaska (Mike) of Hastings; sisters: Regina Ahlrichs of Monticello, IA, Margaret Burns of Anamosa, IA, Frances Harmsen (Harris) of Monticello, IA; brothers: Vincent McNamara (Doris) of Central City, IA, John McNamara (Jo) of Anamosa, IA, Dennis McNamara (Jane) of Backus; sister-in-law, Lois McNamara of Anamosa, IA; grandchildren: Angela LaRue, Eric LaRue, Michelle Inserra, Dennis Van Buren, Sandy Burg, Andrew Burg, Jessica Mishkee; great grandchildren: Taylar, Brianna and Anthony Kelley, Cameron and Alex Van Buren.

She was preceded in death by sons, John and Leo, sister, Loretta, and brothers, Virgil and Richard.

Services will be 11 AM on Saturday, September 19, at the Church of the Nazarene in Backus, with Pastor Jeff Broom officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Backus. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.