Kelly Jaeckels, age 61 of Northfield, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Northfield Hospital.

Kelly Raymond Jaeckels was born August 28, 1963, in Princeton, Minnesota, to Raymond Joseph and Grace Elaine (Stauffeneker) Jaeckels. His early years were spent on a farm near Lake Marion in Lakeville. At the age of 11, he moved with his family to a farm in Greenvale Township. In 1978, his family bought their hobby farm on Jamaica Avenue in Greenvale Township where he still resided until his death.

In 1982, Kelly graduated from Northfield High School and he then went on to become a mason. He joined Bruce and Joe Stanke (Stanke Masonry) where he learned the trade. He later went to work for BR Moline Masonry. Eventually, he formed his own company - Jaeckels Brick & Stone. Kelly was a very talented mason, a true artist of his trade. On June 14, 1997, Kelly married Kara Hasler in Northfield, and they made their home on the family hobby farm. Together they had their sons Tristan and Cody and eventually divorced.

His sons were truly the heart and soul of his life and he loved them dearly. Kelly enjoyed watching Clint Eastwood movies and football. Anyone that knew Kelly realized his passion for splitting wood, lots of wood. He loved spending time with family and friends and was the best “Great” Uncle to his niece and nephew’s children. He had a great sense of humor, and was hardworking, loyal and kind. He was truly loved and will be greatly missed.

Kelly is survived by his son Cody of Northfield; his mother Grace of Northfield; his sister Michelle of Lonsdale; his brothers Kalvin (Michelle) of Alborn, Todd (Shawn) of New Prague; his significant other Janine Weierke of Northfield; 7 nieces and nephews Joe (Stacy) Dornfeld, Melissa Dornfeld, Matthew (Katie) Jaeckels, Samuel (Nellie) Jaeckels, Taylor (Lucas) Schultz, Logan Jaeckels and Tiegan Jaeckels; great nephews, Jackson Dornfeld, Wyatt and Forrest Jaeckels and great nieces Evelyn and Ella Dornfeld, Ellie and Vivian Jaeckels and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son Tristan on May 20, 2023, and his father Ray on February 5, 2021.

Honorary pallbearers are Danny Stanton, Gary Lynch, Val Miller and Jeff Freiermuth.

Visitation will be held from 2:00PM - 5:00PM, Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Arrangements are with the Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com